Malnutrition and associated risk factors among elderly living in Lebanese community homes

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between nutritional status and associated risk factors such as:, socio-economic, physical, pathological and psychological factors, among elderly residing in Lebanese nursing homes.

This cross-sectional study was carried out in 36 elderly care nursing homes with 2,094 residents. Of these, only 221 (11 per cent) elderly met the inclusion criteria and successfully completed the interview question. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and health conditions: oral, nutritional, depression, chronic diseases and activities of daily living, were collected. The analysis used a chi-square test and a binary logistic regression.

High levels of malnourishment were found among elderly who had no jobs (p = 0.012) and had oral health problems (p = 0.038), functional impairment (p < 0.001) and depression (p = 0.021). Comorbid illnesses, however, had no significant association with nutritional status. In addition, the first and strongest predictor entered in the regression on malnutrition was functional impairment (p = 0.002) followed by oral health problems (p = 0.030) and depression (p = 0.036).

The study is original in the sense that it emphasized the importance of three factors, autonomy, better oral and psychological health, in mediating nutritional outcomes for elderly residing in nursing homes.