Avaliação da situação nutricional e dietética de idosos hospitalizados

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the nutritional and dietary situation of hospitalized elderly. Method: descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional and quantitative research. It was carried out with 44 elderly inpatients, both genders, treated in a public hospital in the city of Bocaiúva, Minas Gerais, Brazil. To assess the nutritional and dietary status of the hospitalized elderly, the mini nutritional assessment was used. Results: 55% of the elderly were underweight, with higher numbers in males. Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and congestive heart failure were observed. Among the participants, 25% reported to have some restriction on motility. Over 60% of the elderly were found to use more than three medications and drink less than five glasses of water per day. Conclusion: conducting research on the nutritional status of the elderly and the association of factors that contribute to aggravate malnutrition is fundamental to define and monitor quality of life, as well as to sustain therapeutic projects. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]