Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Undernutrition in a Geriatric Outpatient Setting: Results from a Multidimensional Nutritional Assessment

Objective: To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with undernutrition in older patients in a geriatric outpatient setting. Methods: A cross-sectional study in people aged 65 years or older was conducted at a geriatric outpatient clinic in Bangkok, Thailand. Nutritional status was assessed by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score. Demographic data, activities of daily living, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), anthropometric measurements, complete blood count, and serum albumin were recorded in every subject. Body composition analysis was measured by bioelectrical analysis (BIA) at the same visit. Results: Three hundred and twenty-four adults (63% women) with a mean age of 77.5 years (SD 6.8 years) were enrolled. Prevalence of undernutrition, at-risk of undernutrition, and well-nourished were 8.3%, 35.5%, and 56.2%, respectively. In univariate logistic regression analysis, factors associated with increased risk of undernutrition (defined by MNA