Malnutrition Risk Among Older Americans Act Nutrition Program Participants in 2022 and 2023
2024

Malnutrition Risk Among Older Americans in Nutrition Programs

Sample size: 7690 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gahche Jaime, McGrath Lydia, Borth Laura, Chao Shirley, Simon Judy, Arensberg MaryBeth, Dwyer Johanna

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of malnutrition risk among Older Americans Act program participants in 2022 and 2023?

Conclusion

A significant portion of Older Americans Act program participants were at risk for malnutrition in 2022, with little change in 2023, except for a decrease in risk among congregate meal participants.

Supporting Evidence

  • In 2022, the overall malnutrition risk prevalence was 19.4%.
  • In 2023, the overall malnutrition risk prevalence was 17.2%.
  • Malnutrition risk prevalence among congregate meal participants was significantly lower compared to other programs.

Takeaway

Many older people in nutrition programs are at risk of not getting enough food, and this hasn't changed much from last year.

Methodology

Cross-sectional analysis of National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants data from 2022 and 2023.

Limitations

Further research is needed to understand trends, which may be affected by pandemic-related program changes.

Participant Demographics

Older Americans participating in the Older Americans Act nutrition programs.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0195

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.4022

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