Analysis of the factors contributing to malnutrition in non-institutionalized elderly

Introduction: Early detection of malnutrition risk is a key factor to act effectively and minimize the negative effects associated with malnutrition in the elderly. Objective: To know the factors that contribute to the risk of malnutrition in the elderly living in the community. Methodology: Observational cross-sectional analytical study, carried out by means of a questionnaire on a sample (n = 400) of a population over 75 years old that was not institutionalized in Castellon during 2015. Results: 28.2% of individuals were at risk of malnutrition, being related to a higher risk of malnutrition being a woman (62.2%) (p = 0.027), having lower income (43.5%) (p = 0.030), alcohol consumption (29.1%) (p = 0.039), basic disability (42.1%) (P = 0.013), depressive symptoms (50%) (p = <0.001) and polypharmacy (83.8%) (p = 0.015). Conclusion: The risk of malnutrition is associated with being a woman, at the level of income, basic and instrumental disability, and the presence of depressive symptoms.