Evaluation of the Norwegian Version of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA[R]) Among Older Nursing Home Patients (Short Papers) (Report‪)‬

Background Older and disabled people are particularly exposed to undernutrition, where the prevalence, which varies between about 15 to 60 percent in hospitals, may depend on the clinical screening instrument used (1-3). Few studies have screened patients in nursing homes, but the results are similar to the prevalence in hospitals (4,5). Because of differences in how it is defined and measured, it is difficult to accurately determine the prevalence of undernutrition. Undernutrition is common in older individuals with poor general condition and serious illness, implying needs for support in meal situations, special food requirements and thorough knowledge among caregivers regarding the clinical signs and symptoms associated with reduced nutritional intake. Undernutrition is associated with serious negative consequences for an older person's overall health (1,3). Older persons with poor nutritional status living in institutions or staying in hospital are at risk of having their institutional stay prolonged, of having extended illness recovery periods, lower quality of life and in requiring extensive assistance in managing their daily lives. Furthermore, undernutrition is associated with a higher prevalence of morbidity and mortality among older people (6).