Determination of nutritional status and is effective factors among the elderly

Nutritional status is effective in individuals' health and ability. In fact, inappropriate food intake during old ages results in nutritional shortcomings, incidence of many special disorders, and consumption of many health services. This Cross sectional study was conducted to assessment nutritional status and assess impact of some medical and life style factor on nutritional status in Iranian Community-Dwelling Older Adults. Study was conducted on 240 individuals over 60 years of age Nutritional status was assessed using the short form of Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, ANOVA, and regression model. According to the results, 140(58.3%) of the samples were female, with the mean age of 66.98 +/- 6.23 years. Besides, 39(16.2%) of the participants had malnutrition, 162 (67.5%) were exposed to malnutrition, and 39(16.2%) had normal nutritional status. The results showed a significant relationship between nutritional status and some anthropometric measures, such as weight (P=0.050), calf circumference (P=0.040), and arm circumference (P=0.000). Also, a significant relationship was found between the total score of the questionnaire and the subjects' sex (P=0.001) and age (P=0.001). This study indicated the necessity for the health system to pay more attention to the elderly's nutritional screening. In addition, nutritional status screening should be performed more carefully in geriatrics care programs.