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University Study on Nursing Home Malpnutrition
Predicting malnutrition in newly admitted nursing home residents.
Crogan NL, Corbett CF, Short RA.
College of Nursing, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, USA.
The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) among newly admitted elderly nursing home residents and identify the most significant predictors of PCM using Minimum Data Set (MDS) variables. Using a cross-sectional design, the authors studied 306 nursing home residents.
Malnutrition risk factors found on the MDS were measured for each resident. Overall, 118 (38.6%) residents met the Nutrition Screening Initiative Guidelines for PCM. MDS variables found to be significant predictors were weight loss, leaves 25% or more offood uneaten at most meals, psychiatric/mood diagnoses, deteriorated ability to participate in activities of daily living. and older age.
Three additional variables (antidepressant use, diuretic use, therapeutic diet) were found to be protective-residents with these variables were more likely to have a normal body mass index. MDS data provide an opportunity for early identification of residents who are at riskfor PCM and accompanying morbidity.
Read this study in full at:
http://iris.ingentaselect.com/vl=402286/cl=84
/nw=1/rpsv/ij/sage/10547738/v11n3/s7/p341
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