Karahan Yilmaz, Sevil; Eskici, Günay

Background/Purpose: Malnutrition is quite common in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and physical activity status of individuals over 65 years of age. Methods: The research was carried out on a total of 140 individuals. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, food consumption records, nutritional status (Nutritional Screening Initiative (NSI), Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)) and physical activity levels (International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) of the individuals were evaluated. Results: Assessment of nutritional status revealed that a high risk of malnutrition was present in 14.3% and 30% of the males and females, respectively, as a result of the NSI (X2=6.102, p <0.05). Results of MNA demonstrated that 60.9% of men and 62.1% of women were found to have malnutrition (X2=7.035, p <0.05). According to SNAQ, 51 of the individuals (36.4%) were found to be at risk for body weight control. Conclusion: SNAQ was found to be a more general test in the assessment of the nutritional status, while the NSI and MNA were established to include more specific questions in accordance with the data obtained.

Kupeli, Ilke; Yüksel, Fatma

Malnutrition is a more common nutritional disorder in older patients that causes negative reactions to normal human functions and is associated with high risk of infection, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and increased cost. Clinical observations have revealed that many older patients with COVID-19 are at risk of malnutrition or suffer from malnutrition. The aim of this case series was to evaluate 20 older patients with coronavirus, who suffered from malnutrition, and to examine the parameters likely contributing to malnutrition. This series included a total of 20 patients over 65 years of age, who were hospitalized for COVID 19 and had malnutrition according to the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) form applied during admission. The mean age of the patients was 75.5±8.7 (years) and the female/male ratio was 7/13. While only 6 patients had no comorbid disease, the others had coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and heart failure. Three patients were at risk of malnutrition (NRS <5); on the other hand, 17 patients were suffering from malnutrition (NRS ≥5). Advanced age, comorbidity, hypoalbuminemia, low lymphocyte count, and low hemoglobin and protein values were considered as risk factors for malnutrition in this case series performed in COVID 19 patients. The relationship of these findings with mortality could not be determined.