Anthropometric Characteristics of Hospitalised Elderly Women
Author Information
Author(s): Belbraouet Slimane, Chau Nearkasen, Tebi Ambroise, Debry Gérard
Primary Institution: Université de Moncton
Hypothesis
The study aims to describe the differences in anthropometric indicators between diseased elderly women and healthy elderly women.
Conclusion
A significant proportion of elderly women suffer from malnutrition at the time of hospitalisation, particularly affecting body fat and muscle.
Supporting Evidence
- The most frequent diseases among participants were circulatory diseases (40.8%) and mental disorders (29.9%).
- Significant differences were found in mid-arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, weight, and BMI between diseased and healthy women.
- The study highlights the importance of measuring anthropometric indicators to assess malnutrition in hospital settings.
Takeaway
This study shows that many older women in the hospital are not getting enough nutrition, which can make them weaker and sicker.
Methodology
A case-control study comparing 451 hospitalised elderly women with 77 healthy elderly women, measuring various anthropometric indicators.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of bed-ridden patients.
Limitations
The study may underestimate malnutrition prevalence as bed-ridden patients were excluded.
Participant Demographics
Participants were elderly women aged 70 and over, with a sample from a geriatric unit in north-eastern France.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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