Malnutrition associated to depression in elderly inpatients

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition in elderly inpatients in a public hospital of the Northeastern region (São Luís/MA) and its association to depression. METHODS: In 2009, a prospective cross-sectional study evaluated elderly patients admitted through the application of a questionnaire containing variables for socioeconomic aspects, gender, race and marital status. Nutritional status was established by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) applied with less than 72 hours after admission. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to assess symptoms suggestive of depression. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Differences were considered significant when p < 0.05. RESULTS: 92 elderly inpatients have been evaluated, 53.3% were men, 43.5% were mulatto, 52.2% were married, 88.0% retired, 55.4% were illiterate and 85.9% reported personal income of one minimum salary. The total score of the average MNA was 17.6 ± 5.8 points. The prevalence of risk of malnutrition and malnutrition was respectively of: 37.8% and 43.3%. The average GDS score was 6.9 ± 3.0 points. The prevalence of depression was of 56.3%. There was a significant association between malnutrition and female sex, widowhood and depression. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malnutrition and depression were high with a significant association in elderly inpatients in the Northeastern region (São Luís/MA).