LB103 - MULTIFACTORIAL PREDICTORS OF ANOREXIA-RELATED UNINTENTIONAL WEIGHT LOSS IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS IN SAUDI ARABIA

LB103

MULTIFACTORIAL PREDICTORS OF ANOREXIA-RELATED UNINTENTIONAL WEIGHT LOSS IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS IN SAUDI ARABIA

A. Alhazmi^1,*, M. M. Hawash¹, M. M. EL-Sayed², M. Ali¹, A. Mohieldin¹, F. Aziz³, M. A. Khedr⁴

¹Public Health , King Khalid University , Abha , ²Department of Emergency Health, Qassim University, Buraydah, ³Department of Basic Medical Sciences, King Khalid University , Abha , ⁴Department of Nursing, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia

Rationale: This study investigated which clinical, nutritional, functional, and lifestyle factors predict anorexia-related unintentional weight loss among community-dwelling older adults in Saudi Arabia. Identifying these predictors is clinically important for early risk detection and targeted interventions to reduce adverse outcomes associated with weight loss in later life.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 adults aged ≥60 years. Validated instruments were used to assess appetite, swallowing function, functional independence, and relevant clinical and lifestyle factors. Associations were examined using chi-square tests and Spearman’s rank correlation, followed by binary logistic regression to identify independent predictors. The study was conducted in accordance with international ethical standards.

Results: Overall, 18.8% of participants were classified as being at high risk for anorexia-related unintentional weight loss. Significant predictors included older age (odds ratio [OR]=1.469, p=0.004), lower educational level (OR=0.362, p=0.030), poor sleep quality (OR=0.476, p=0.041), low body mass index (OR=1.305, p=0.035), polypharmacy (OR=3.978, p=0.002), constipation (OR=2.981, p<0.001), epigastric pain (OR=2.321, p<0.001), swallowing difficulties (OR=3.674, p=0.004), and reduced functional independence (OR=0.521, p=0.007).

Conclusion: Anorexia-related unintentional weight loss in community-dwelling older adults is associated with multiple modifiable and non-modifiable factors, including gastrointestinal symptoms, polypharmacy, swallowing difficulties, sleep quality, nutritional status, and functional independence. Routine multidimensional screening may support earlier identification and guide multidisciplinary interventions in geriatric community care.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared