Protein-energy malnutrition in elderly patients admitted in medical wards of an acute Maltese hospital.

Abstract

Due to the gradual improvement in health care and living conditions, the Maltese population is getting older. Thus the proportion of elderly patients in our acute hospitals is likely to continue to increase. Moreover, the elderly are at an increased risk of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM), especially when admitted to hospital. Thus, nutrition screening can detect those at risk and enables prompt nutritional intervention. This would reduce PEM-related complications and consequently the average length of stay together with hospital costs leading to a more effective health care system. Hence, the aim of the study was to identify the prevalence and factors contributing to PEM amongst elderly hospitalised patients. Using interviewer-administered questionnaires, mainly quantitative data was obtained from a sample of 50 elderly patients within 72 hours of admission to a medical ward of an acute Maltese public hospital. Using the Mini-Nutrition Assessment (MNA) tool 38% were identified as having PEM, and a further 30% as being at risk of developing PEM. Moreover, multiple regression analysis revealed that an impaired functional status, depression, aging and a low number of prescribed treatment were associated with PEM. Thus, in light of these findings, it is recommended that the MNA is introduced in the hospital assessment to facilitate the recognition of PEM and thus prompt intervention.