An exploration of nurses’ knowledge on malnutrition amongst the elderly in a long-term care facility

Abstract

Background: People are living longer and every country is experiencing growth in the elderly population (WHO, 2022). It is a known fact that nutrition is an important aspect when it comes to ones health and plays a significant role in decreasing the risk of illnesses related to aging (Endevelt, Werner, Karpati, & Goldman, 2009). Malnutrition is a common problem which affects 30-50% of elderly patients (Neloska et al., 2016). It is estimated that 71% of the elderly who are residing in nursing homes suffer from malnutrition. Nurses' level of knowledge about malnutrition has an impact on the residents' health (Endevelt, Werner, Karpati, & Goldman, 2009). Research shows that in elderly homes, malnutrition is quite common (Collins et al., 2005) and that nurses generally lack knowledge about the subject (Endevelt, Werner, Karpati, & Goldman, 2009). Aims: The study had these three aims; One of the primary aims of this study is to explore the nurses’ level of knowledge with regard to malnutrition of the elderly in a long-term care facility. Secondly, to explore the existence of any differences in the level of knowledge on elderly malnutrition in a long-term care facility between nurses with varying levels of experience and finally to explore whether there is a difference in the level of knowledge on elderly malnutrition in a long-term care facility between Maltese and international nurses. Research Design: A quantitative cross-sectional design took place in one of the Long-Term Care (LTC) settings providing geriatric care in Malta. The knowledge of malnutrition - geriatric 2.0 (KoM-G 2.0) questionnaire by Dr. Bauer was used. The sample size was of 226 nurses. Results: Using SPSS for data analysis, the Chi-Square test was used. It resulted that the overall the nurses have a low level of knowledge with regard to malnutrition amongst the elderly. Conclusion: This study showed that the nurses generally have a low level of knowledge on the topic. Nutrition is an essential part of a holistic care which the patient should receive. Therefore the findings recommend that ongoing training on malnutrition and its impact on holistic care is provided to nurses.