Changes in nutritional status in nursing home residents and associated factors in nutritional status decline: a secondary data analysis

AimsThe aim of this study was to describe changes in the nutritional status of nursing home residents over a period of 1year and identify factors associated with a decline in nutritional status. BackgroundThe maintenance of good nutritional status is important for nursing home residents. Therefore, it is essential to identify risk factors that indicate a decline in nutritional status to take early prevention steps. DesignSecondary data analysis of repeated cross-sectional studies. MethodsData collection was performed between 2009-2013 using the International Prevalence Measurement of Care Problems questionnaire. Data from three purposively selected nursing homes that included 157 residents were analysed. ResultsThe comparison between baseline data and data collected 1year later showed that the nutritional status declined in 228% of the residents and improved in 65% of the cases. The body mass index and changes in the body mass index were significantly different between residents with stable/improved and declined nutritional status. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that care dependency, length of stay, changes in body mass index and malnutrition risk at baseline were significantly associated with a decline in nutritional status. ConclusionThis study showed that the baseline risk of malnutrition is the most important risk factor indicating a decline in nutritional status. Therefore, healthcare professionals should identify the malnutrition risk and take action as early as possible.