P524
PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL IMPACT OF MALNUTRITION IN NURSING HOME RESIDENTS IN SOUTHERN SWITZERLAND REGION TICINO: THE ROLE OF SCREENING AND TARGETED INTERVENTIONS
A. Beretti1,*, M. Bassano1, B. Richli1, V. Velez1
1Farmadomo Home Care Provider, Camorino, Switzerland
Rationale: This study examines the prevalence of malnutrition in nursing homes and its link to clinical conditions. Malnutrition impacts quality of life, accelerates disease progression, and increases complications, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and targeted interventions.
Methods: Two dietitians trained staff on malnutrition screening and monitoring techniques. Mini nutritional assessment screening was performed on 220 residents (mean age 88.1 years). Statistical analysis included chi-square tests to assess malnutrition prevalence and its relationship with mobility, psychological stress, and neuropsychological conditions.
Results: 24.5% of residents were malnourished, 47.7% at risk, and 27.7% well-nourished. Chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between nutritional status and clinical conditions (Table 1). 11.4% of at-risk and 10.9% of malnourished residents were receiving nutritional therapy, which was insufficient to resolve their malnutrition.
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Conclusion: These findings confirm a high prevalence of malnutrition in nursing homes, closely linked to clinical conditions. The results emphasize the need for targeted nutritional strategies. Improved staff training enhanced screening accuracy, playing a critical role in malnutrition management. Despite some residents receiving nutritional therapy, dietitians confirmed it was insufficient to reverse malnutrition, highlighting the need for more personalized interventions.
References: Cederholm, T., & Barazzoni, R. (2017). Malnutrition and Sarcopenia in Older Adults: The Role of Nutritional Interventions in Improving Health Outcomes. Clinical Nutrition, 36(4), 1077-1084
Disclosure of Interest: None declared