Malnutrition and Mental Health in Elderly People
Author Information
Author(s): Kvamme Jan-Magnus, Grønli Ole, Florholmen Jon, Jacobsen Bjarne K
Primary Institution: University of Tromsø
Hypothesis
There is a positive relationship between impaired mental health and risk of malnutrition and low BMI.
Conclusion
Impaired mental health was strongly associated with the risk of malnutrition in community living elderly men and women.
Supporting Evidence
- 5.6% of men and 8.6% of women were at risk of malnutrition.
- 3.9% of men and 9.1% of women reported significant mental health symptoms.
- The odds ratio for significant mental health symptoms was 3.9 in men and 2.5 in women.
Takeaway
Elderly people who feel sad or anxious are more likely to not eat well, which can make them even more sad or anxious.
Methodology
Cross-sectional survey with 1558 men and 1553 women aged 65 to 87 years, assessing malnutrition risk and mental health symptoms.
Potential Biases
Participants who did not complete the survey may have been frailer and more prone to malnutrition and mental health issues.
Limitations
Selection bias may be a concern as only 52% of the target population completed the survey.
Participant Demographics
Participants were community-living elderly men and women aged 65 to 87 years from Tromsø, Norway.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.7-8.6 for men, 95% CI 1.3-4.9 for women
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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