Objective: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition risk in older people across three settings.
Methods: Older people living in the community or newly admitted to hospital or residential care were assessed for malnutrition risk using the validated Mini-Nutritional Assessment - Short Form and dysphagia risk using the Eating Assessment Tool-10. Demographic, physical and health data were collected.
Results: Of 167 participants, 23% were malnourished and 35% were at high risk of malnutrition. Those recently admitted to residential care versus a hospital or living in the community had a higher prevalence of malnourishment (47% vs 23% and 2%) (P < 0.001). Risk of dysphagia differed with settings (P < 0.001) with highest risk in residential care. Hospitalised and residential care participants were significantly more likely to have ≥4 comorbidities, take ≥5 medications and have below normal cognition compared to community participants.
Conclusion: Choice of nutrition intervention is setting dependent.
Keywords: New Zealand; aged; dysphagia; nutrition.
© 2017 AJA Inc.