Research on malnutrition according to MNA - SF (Mini Nutritional Assessment Short - Form) and related factors in the elderly in Thanh Khe district, Da Nang, 2021

Abstract

A cross - sectional descriptive study on 309 elderly people aged 60 and over, living in Thanh Khe district, Da Nang, in 2021 to assess malnutrition in the elderly and identify factors related to the elderly. The research tool consists of 2 parts: general information and the MNA - SF elderly nutritional assessment scale. Data analysis and processing using SPSS 20.0 software. The research results show that the malnutrition according to MNA - SF of the elderly in Thanh Khe district, Da Nang is at the risk of malnutrition with a mean score of 11, in which the malnutrition rate is 20.4%, and the rate of malnutrition risk is 35.3%. There is a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05) between undernutrition and age, education level, current occupation, marital status, people currently living with and existing medical conditions, rate of medication use, snacks, oral infection, appropriate physical activity, and smoking status. It is necessary to strengthen screening and provide specific solutions to prevent malnutrition for the elderly.