Kucukerdonmez O, Navruz Varli S, Koksal E
Eda Koksal, Gazi University Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey,
J Nutr Health Aging. 2017;21(1):25-30. doi: 10.1007/s12603-016-0740-z.
This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of elderly individuals living alone and with their families.
The sample of the study included 872 elderly individuals who agreed to participate in the study, were aged 65 or over, and lived in Ankara. The data were gathered from a survey, using face-to-face interviews. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used in evaluating each individual's nutrition.
The rate of malnutrition in the study population was 5% while the malnutrition risk was 67%. The rate of malnutrition in the individuals living alone was found to be higher than that of those living with their families. The rates of malnutrition in individuals living alone and with their families were, respectively, 7% and 4%, and the rates of malnutrition risk in individuals living alone and with their families were, respectively, 73% and 66% (p<0.05). In both groups, there were significant relationships between individuals' ages, BMI values, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and calf circumference measurements and their MNA scores. While there was a negative and significant relationship between age and MNA scores, the relationships between other parameters and MNA scores were positive and significant (p<0.01).
In this study, it was revealed that the nutrition of elderly individuals living alone differs from the nutrition of elderly individuals living with their families. Malnutrition rates were higher in individuals living alone. Raising the awareness of elderly people and their families regarding the need to improve and maintain nutrition would be beneficial.
本研究旨在评估独居和与家人同住的老年人的营养状况。
该研究样本包括872名同意参与研究、年龄在65岁及以上且居住在安卡拉的老年人。数据通过面对面访谈的调查方式收集。使用微型营养评定法（MNA）评估每个人的营养状况。
研究人群中营养不良率为5%，营养不良风险率为67%。发现独居老年人的营养不良率高于与家人同住的老年人。独居和与家人同住的老年人的营养不良率分别为7%和4%，独居和与家人同住的老年人的营养不良风险率分别为73%和66%（p<0.05）。在两组中，个体的年龄、体重指数（BMI）值、上臂中部周长（MUAC）和小腿周长测量值与他们的MNA评分之间均存在显著关系。年龄与MNA评分之间存在负向且显著的关系，而其他参数与MNA评分之间的关系为正向且显著（p<0.01）。
在本研究中，发现独居老年人的营养状况与与家人同住的老年人不同。独居个体的营养不良率更高。提高老年人及其家人对改善和维持营养需求的认识将是有益的。
