Nutritional Status of Elderly People Living at Home in Sidi-Bel-Abbes (West Algeria)

Abstract

Background and objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of a cohort of elderly people living independently at home. Methods: 314 elderly individuals were selected during general medicine examinations. The collection of nutritional data concerned the measurement of some anthropometric parameters (body weight, height, BMI, brachial and calf circumferences), the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and serum albumin. Results: The average age was 72.92±6.26 years with a feminine predominance (59.55%). The BMI was 25.63±4.43 kg.m-2 and serum albumin 36.45±5.77g.L-1. 61% of the investigated population were affected by chronic diseases such as: diabetes (39%). Using the MNA as a mean of screening; 46.18% of individuals presented a risk of malnutrition and 4.78% were undernourished. However, when the BMI and serum albumin were used; 14.01% and 42.35% have been considered as undernourished respectively. Conclusions: The MNA seems to be a more sensitive tool rather than the other screening parameters (BMI and serum albumin) in the assessment of nutritional risk.