Usability of the Self-Mini Nutritional Assessment (R) among Older Adults Receiving Home-delivered Meals in Texas

Self-screening tools for nutritional risk may be used to encourage older adults at risk of malnutrition to seek out preventive care. A recently available nutritional risk self-screening tool, the Self-Mini Nutritional Assessment (R) (Self-MNA (R)), had not been tested among diverse groups of older adults. The initial goal of this study was to compare results of the Self-MNA (R) to those of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (R)-Short Form among a sample of homebound older adults who were newly enrolled in a Meals on Wheels program. Results suggest that the Self-MNA (R) screening tool was not practical for this sample, as evidenced by low rates of completion. Fewer than 80% completed the front of the form on the first attempt, and only 40% recorded a final screening score on the back of the form. The screening score is needed for successful utilization of the Self-MNA (R). To increase usability of the Self-MNA (R) among older adults, it may be necessary to modify instructions and formatting to improve clarity.