Aktuelle Ernährungsmedizin 2025; 50(02): e7-e8
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1809096
Abstracts
POSTERS

Nutritional Status in Ticino Nursing Home Residents: Gender Differences and Age-Related Decline

M Bassano
1   Farmadomo Home Care Provider SA, Camorino, Switzerland
,
A Beretti
1   Farmadomo Home Care Provider SA, Camorino, Switzerland
,
B Richli
1   Farmadomo Home Care Provider SA, Camorino, Switzerland
,
CD S Tognola
1   Farmadomo Home Care Provider SA, Camorino, Switzerland
,
V Velez
1   Farmadomo Home Care Provider SA, Camorino, Switzerland
› Author Affiliations
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Introduction: Malnutrition is a prevalent issue among nursing home residents, negatively impacting quality of life, increasing morbidity, and worsening clinical outcomes. Identifying factors associated with nutritional decline is essential for implementing effective interventions.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate gender differences in nutritional status and investigate the relationship between age and malnutrition risk using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA).

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 220 nursing home residents who underwent nutritional assessment using the MNA. Residents were classified into three categories: normonourished, at risk of malnutrition, and malnourished. Gender differences were analyzed using a chi-square test, and the relationship between age and nutritional status was assessed through Pearson’s correlation analysis.

Results: Significant differences in nutritional status were observed between genders as shown in [Table 1] (p=0.02). Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation was found between age and MNA score (r=-0.35, p<0.001). The mean age of normonourished residents was 84.5 years, increasing to 88.0 years in the at-risk group and 91.0 years in the malnourished group.

Table 1 

Normal nourished

Risk of malnutrition

Malnourished

Total

Male

35 (43.8%)

30 (37.5%)

15 (18.8%)

80

Female

26 (18.6%)

75 (53.6%)

39 (27.9%)

140

Total

61 (27.7%)

105 (47.7%)

54 (24.5%)

220

Conclusion: The findings indicate that female residents are at a significantly higher risk of malnutrition than males. Additionally, nutritional status declines with advancing age, highlighting the need for age-specific and gender-sensitive nutritional interventions in nursing home populations. Targeted screening and early nutritional management strategies should be prioritized to prevent deterioration and improve overall health outcomes in this vulnerable group [1] [2].



Publication History

Article published online:
25 May 2025

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  • References

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