Risk Factors Associated with Malnutrition in Older Adults Living in Italian Nursing Homes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Empirical Research Carla Papparotto, MSN, BNS, RN; Ettore Bidoli, ScD; Alvisa Palese, MSN, BNS, RN Malnutrition is a significant problem among older adults living in nursing homes: Malnourished residents are at increased risk of hospitalization and mortality. Multiple factors determine malnutrition, and the extant literature has focused attention on individual factors such as aging, sex, and dependence in activities of daily living. However, little evidence is available on factors influenced by nursing care. Exploring the relationship between the nutritional status of nursing home residents and certain individual factors, including those potentially influenced by nursing care, was the aim of this cross-sectional study. A total of 186 nursing home residents was enrolled in the study; in addition, 18 nurses were involved in the data collection process. Twenty-one percent of the residents had an adequate nutritional status, 43% were at risk of malnutrition, and 36% were malnourished. Multivariate analysis revealed that those independent factors associated with malnutrition, once adjusted for age, sex, and dependence in activities of daily living, were: having had a stroke, being dependent in activities of daily living, eating half or less of food provided at mealtimes, and having their weight checked only every 3 months or longer. Nursing care projects may be effective in reducing the risk of malnutrition among nursing home residents. However, further research is needed to develop knowledge of the factors associated with malnutrition and those influenced by care delivered in nursing homes. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2013; 6(3):187–197.] Ms. Papparotto is Nursing Director, “Opera Pia Coianiz” – Tarcento (Udine – Italy), Professor in Charge Geriatric Nursing, Udine University, Italy; Dr. Bidoli is Epidemiologist, Unit of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy; and Ms. Palese is Associate Professor in Nursing Science, Udine University, Italy. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise. Address correspondence to Alvisa Palese, MSN, BNS, RN, School of Nursing, Viale Ungheria, 20, 33100 Udine, Italy; e-mail: alvisa.palese@uniud.it. 10.3928/19404921-20130528-01 Healio is intended for health care provider use and all comments will be posted at the discretion of the editors. We reserve the right not to post any comments with unsolicited information about medical devices or other products. At no time will Healio be used for medical advice to patients.