Health and Well-Being Outcomes of Meals on Wheels: A Systematic Review for a Complex Intervention
2024
Health Benefits of Meals on Wheels for Older Adults
Sample size: 105
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Wright Bernadette, Owens Victoria, Wilson Sanjaya
Primary Institution: Meals on Wheels America
Hypothesis
Which Meals on Wheels services lead to specific impacts on older adults' health?
Conclusion
Meals on Wheels services that meet participants’ preferences and needs can reduce barriers to health and aging in place.
Supporting Evidence
- Eighty-eight analyses found evidence of beneficial effect.
- Seventeen analyses did not find positive effects, often due to methodological issues.
- Outcomes frequently examined included diet quality, nursing home use, and food insecurity.
- Majority of studies were published in the past 10 years.
Takeaway
Meals on Wheels delivers food to older people, which helps them stay healthy and connected to others.
Methodology
A systematic review of 48 publications representing 47 studies and 105 outcome analyses.
Potential Biases
Unaccounted-for variables and underpowered samples.
Limitations
Risks of bias included unaccounted-for variables and underpowered samples.
Participant Demographics
Majority of studies were from the U.S. and focused on older adults.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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