The effect of nutrition education intervention for caregivers on the nutrition status of the elderly receiving home care: A 1-year follow-up interventional trial

Background The high prevalence of malnutrition among those of older age and the lack of nutrition knowledge among the elderly and their caregivers underscore the need for a nutrition education intervention (NEI) for caregivers. Materials and Methods Patients enrolled in the "home care program" who were dependent, were >65 years of age, and had caregivers (n = 94) were included in the study. A nutritionist conducted initial NEI sessions for caregivers and subsequently monitored them monthly at home for 12 months. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Elderly Module (WHOQOL-OLD) were used to evaluate the nutrition status and quality of life scores of those of older age, respectively. Additional assessments included dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical measurements. Other measures included current medical history and Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living. All measurements were recorded over 12 months. Results The mean age of the participants was 84.4 +/- 6.9 years, with 61.7% being women. Significant differences were observed postintervention for MNA (Delta = +1.4; P < 0.001) and WHOQOL-OLD (Delta = +3.0; P < 0.001). The NEI was associated with improved nutrition status and quality of life. Post-intervention, significant improvements were noted in body weight (Delta = +0.4 kg; P < 0.001), waist circumference (Delta = +0.3 cm; P < 0.05), BMI (Delta = +0.2 kg/m(2); P < 0.05), energy intake (Delta = +77 kcal/day; P < 0.001), protein intake (Delta = +5.4 g/day; P < 0.001), carbohydrate intake (Delta = +16.2 g/day; P < 0.001), and intakes of vitamin B2 (Delta = +0.3 mg/day; P < 0.001), vitamin C (Delta = +24.0 mg/day; P < 0.05), calcium (Delta = +133 mg/day; P < 0.001), and phosphorus (Delta = +116 mg/day; P < 0.001). Conclusions NEI for caregivers may reduce the malnutrition prevalence among those of older age and improve their dietary habits, quality of life, anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and nutritional intake.