Burks CE, Jones CW, Braz VA, Swor RA, Richmond NL, Hwang KS, Hollowell AG, Weaver MA, Platts-Mills TF. Risk Factors for Malnutrition among Older Adults in the Emergency Department: A Multicenter Study.
J Am Geriatr Soc 2017;
65:1741-1747. [PMID:
28322438 DOI:
10.1111/jgs.14862]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Among older adults, malnutrition is common, often missed by healthcare providers, and influences recovery from illness or injury.
OBJECTIVE
To identify modifiable risk factors associated with malnutrition in older patients.
DESIGN
Prospective cross-sectional multicenter study.
SETTING
3 EDs in the South, Northeast, and Midwest.
PARTICIPANTS
Non-critically ill, English-speaking adults aged ≥65 years.
MEASUREMENTS
Random time block sampling was used to enroll patients. The ED interview assessed malnutrition using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form. Food insecurity and poor oral health were assessed using validated measures. Other risk factors examined included depressive symptoms, limited mobility, lack of transportation, loneliness, and medication side effects, qualified by whether the patient reported the risk factor affected their diet. The population attributable risk proportion (PARP) for malnutrition was estimated for each risk factor.
RESULTS
In our sample (n = 252), the prevalence of malnutrition was 12%. Patient characteristics associated with malnutrition included not having a college degree, being admitted to the hospital, and residence in an assisted living facility. Of the risk factors examined, the PARPs for malnutrition were highest for poor oral health (54%; 95% CI 16%, 78%), food insecurity (14%; 95% CI 3%, 31%), and lack of transportation affecting diet (12%; 95% CI 3%, 28%).
CONCLUSION
Results of this observational study identify multiple modifiable factors associated with the problem of malnutrition in older adults.
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