Abstract

Author(s): Molés Julio, María Pilar1; Maciá Soler, María Loreto2; Bou Esteller, Joan3; Esteve Clavero, Aurora1,3

Introduction: Early detection of malnutrition risk is a key factor to act effectively and minimize the negative effects associated with malnutrition in the elderly.

Objective: To know the factors that contribute to the risk of malnutrition in the elderly living in the community.

Methodology: Observational cross-sectional analytical study, carried out by means of a questionnaire on a sample (n = 400) of a population over 75 years old that was not institutionalized in Castellón during 2015.

Results: 28.2% of individuals were at risk of malnutrition, being related to a higher risk of malnutrition being a woman (62.2%) (p = 0.027), having lower income (43.5%) (p = 0.030), alcohol consumption (29.1%) (p = 0.039), basic disability (42.1%) (P = 0.013), depressive symptoms (50%) (p = <0.001) and polypharmacy (83.8%) (p = 0.015).

Conclusion: The risk of malnutrition is associated with being a woman, at the level of income, basic and instrumental disability, and the presence of depressive symptoms.