Nutritional Status and Its Contributing Factors among Older Adults with Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 650-658
Author(s):  
Eman Shokry Abd Allah ◽  
Hanan Mohammed Mohammed Gad ◽  
Hassanat Ramadan Abdel-Aziz

The study aimed to assess nutritional status and its contributing factors among older adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy so, a descriptive study design was used. The study was conducted at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. The study’s sample was selected purposively which composed of 194 older adults. Nutritional status was measured by the Arabic version of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Contributing factors were identified by examining the relationship of nutritional status with demographic and clinical variables. Study results revealed that 33% of the older patients were malnourished and 51.5% were at risk for malnutrition. Statistically significant relations were found between nutritional status and advanced age, illiteracy, insufficient monthly income, comorbidities, cancer stage four at diagnosis, and receiving ≥4 chemotherapy cycles. High prevalence of malnutrition and many contributing factors were identified among older patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. So, continuous malnutrition screening along chemotherapy courses with special concern for contributing factors assessed in this study is recommended.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayse Irem Yasin ◽  
Atakan Topcu ◽  
Meysere Nur Akuc ◽  
Hacı Mehmet Türk ◽  
Pinar Soysal

Aim: To compare anticholinergic burden (ACB) in older patients with and without cancer and evaluate the effects of ACB on geriatric syndromes. Methods: A total of 291 patients from the geriatric clinic and 301 patients from the oncology clinic were evaluated. ACB <2 was categorized as low ACB and ACB ≥2 was categorized as high ACB. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed on patients from the geriatric clinic. Results: ACB scores were significantly higher in patients without cancer compared with those with cancer (p < 0.005). Number of falls and Geriatric Depression Scale 15 scores were higher and Mini-Nutritional Assessment and Barthel/Lawton activities of daily living scores were lower in geriatric patients with high ACB scores compared with those with low ACB scores (p < 0.005). Conclusion: It is crucial to understand the potential effects of ACB for rational drug use and optimum cancer management in older patients with cancer.


Author(s):  
Juliette Tavenier ◽  
Line Jee Hartmann Rasmussen ◽  
Aino Leegaard Andersen ◽  
Morten Baltzer Houlind ◽  
Anne Langkilde ◽  
...  

Abstract Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress-induced cytokine. Its plasma levels increase during aging and acute illness. In older Patients and age-matched Controls, we evaluated whether GDF15 levels (i) were associated with recovery after acute illness, and (ii) reflected different trajectories of aging and longitudinal changes in health measures. Fifty-two older Patients (≥65 years) were included upon admission to the emergency department (ED). At 30 days after discharge (time of matching), Patients were matched 1:1 on age and sex with Controls who had not been hospitalized within 2 years of inclusion. Both groups were followed up after 1 year. We assessed plasma levels of GDF15 and inflammatory biomarkers, frailty, nutritional status (mini nutritional assessment short-form), physical and cognitive function, and metabolic biomarkers. In Patients, elevated GDF15 levels at ED admission were associated with poorer resolution of inflammation (soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor [suPAR]), slowing of gait speed, and declining nutritional status between admission and 30-day follow-up. At time of matching, Patients were frailer and overall less healthy than age-matched Controls. GDF15 levels were significantly associated with participant group, on average Patients had almost 60% higher GDF15 than age-matched Controls, and this difference was partly mediated by reduced physical function. Increases in GDF15 levels between time of matching and 1-year follow-up were associated with increases in levels of interleukin-6 in Patients, and tumor necrosis factor-α and suPAR in age-matched Controls. In older adults, elevated GDF15 levels were associated with signs of accelerated aging and with poorer recovery after acute illness.


Geriatrics ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Arjuna ◽  
Michelle Miller ◽  
Tomoko Ueno ◽  
Renuka Visvanathan ◽  
Kylie Lange ◽  
...  

The effects of “standard (STD)” vs. “protein- and energy-enriched (HEHP)” food-service meals on the nutrient intake, nutritional status, functional capacity, and wellbeing of older adults was investigated using a 12 week, double-blinded, parallel group design. All participants received dietetics counseling and either an STD (2.3 MJ and 30 g protein per meal) or a HEHP (4.6 MJ and 60 g protein) hot lunchtime meal for at least 3 days/week; those who did not want food-service meals were included in the control group (CON). Twenty-nine participants completed the study (STD = 7; HEHP = 12; CON = 10). From baseline to week 12, the HEHP subjects increased their mean daily energy intake from 6151 ± 376 kJ to 8228 ± 642 kJ (p = 0.002 for effect of time) and protein intake from 67 ± 4 g to 86 ± 8 g (p = 0.014 for effect of time). The MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) score was increased significantly in HEHP by 4.0 ± 1.1 points (p = 0.001), but not in the STD and CON groups (2.8 ± 2.1 points and 1.8 ± 1.1 points, p > 0.05). No difference was found for other clinical outcomes between the groups. The findings indicate that provision of HEHP-fortified food-service meals can increase energy and protein intake and improve the nutritional status of nutritionally at-risk older people.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel G Hilerio Lopez

Malnutrition in the older adult is an ongoing situation in Mexico and is most apparent in individuals that reside in hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement homes. For that reason, it is necessary to evaluate the nutritional status of these adults by means of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and levels of three serum indicators that are commonly ordered when making malnutrition diagnosis. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 older adults residing in eldercare facilities. Nutritional status was evaluated by means of the MNA and three serum indicators (albumin, ferritin, and hemoglobin). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze sociodemographic characteristics, and a Student’s t test, based on gender and reference values, was used to compare mean values of the three serum indicators.  A Chi-square test was used to compare proportions in individuals, based on gender, who had normal nutritional status or were malnourished, and who were at-risk of malnutrition.  A One-way ANOVA with Scheffé post hoc test was used to identify the association between serum indicators and nutritional status of older adults. Of the 100 older adults studied, 53% were men and 47% were women. The mean age was 85±0.7 years. According to the MNA, 20% had normal nutritional status, 55% were at-risk of malnutrition, and 25% were malnourished. The mean indicator values were: albumin 4.7±0.04 g/dL, ferritin 74.2±8.7 ng/mL, and hemoglobin 13.0±0.1 g/dL. No significant association was found between serum indicators and each MNA classification; however, when the same indicators were compared between the sexes, hemoglobin showed a significant difference (P=0.037). Women had lower values but those values did not extend beyond the established physiological range for this population. There was a 55% prevalence of risk of malnutrition in the nutritional status of older adults living in Mexican eldercare facilities in a Mexican province and it was even more frequent in women. 


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2429
Author(s):  
María Consuelo Velázquez-Alva ◽  
María Esther Irigoyen-Camacho ◽  
María Fernanda Cabrer-Rosales ◽  
Irina Lazarevich ◽  
Isabel Arrieta-Cruz ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the association between nutritional status, depressive symptoms, and the number of prescription drugs taken by older adults living in nursing homes in Mexico City. In a cross-sectional study, 262 participants were subjected to anthropometric and nutritional (Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)) evaluations; additionally, their depression (Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)) and functional status were assessed. Multiple logistic regression was used for identifying factors associated with the risk of malnutrition/malnourishment. The mean age of participants was 83.1 ± 8.6 years. A total of 59.9% and 21.1% were at risk of malnutrition and malnourished, respectively. With respect to depression, 27.9% of the participants had mild depression, while 11.4% showed severe depression. An inverse correlation between MNA evaluations and depression scores was found (Spearman’s ρ = −0.4624, p < 0.001); residents with a better nutritional status had lower depression scores. Individuals with depressive symptoms were approximately five times more likely to be at risk of malnutrition or malnourished (OR = 5.82, 95% CI = 2.27–14.89) than individuals without depression. Residents taking three or more prescription drugs daily (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.27–2.63, p < 0.001) were more likely to be at risk of malnutrition or malnourished. In summary, poor nutritional status was associated with depression, while the intake of numerous prescription drugs was associated with being at risk of malnutrition or malnourished.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 69-69
Author(s):  
Berna Rahi ◽  
Tracy Daou ◽  
Nour Gereige ◽  
Yara Issa ◽  
Yara Moawad ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives We aimed to assess the polypharmacy effect on appetite and malnutrition risk among Lebanese nursing home residents. We hypothesized that polypharmacy will be associated to lower appetite and increased of malnutrition. Methods A cross-sectional pilot study was carried out in two nursing homes in the North-Lebanon region. Fifty-three older adults (OA) aged 60 and above were recruited and were interviewed face-to-face. A general questionnaire was administered to gather information about their socio-demographics, dietary habits and physical activity routine. Appetite was evaluated by the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) validated for use with nursing homes residents. The participants' nutritional status was assessed using the Short Form of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF). Polypharmacy was determined if OA were taking 5 or more medications. Information about attitudes towards the use, the number and the cost of medications was also collected. Differences in SNAQ and MNA scores based on polypharmacy were tested using Independent t-tests. Logistic regression was performed to assess the association between polypharmacy and nutritional status after adjusting for several factors. Results Our sample constituted of 49.1% females with an average age of 67.6 ± 3.8 and BMI of 22.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2. The majority were widowed (79.2%) and had a low level of education (85% elementary education). Regarding the MNA scores, 33% had a normal nutritional status while 59% were at risk of malnutrition and 8% were malnourished, with an average MNA score of 10.1 ± 2.2. The average SNAQ score was 11.0 ± 3.3, with 85% scoring ≤14, indicating an significant risk of at least 5% weight loss withing 6 months. Regarding medication use, 50.9% of OA take at least 5 drugs/d with an average of 4.3 ± 2 drugs. Independent t-tests showed that MNA scores were significantly lower in those taking 5 drugs/d vs those taking less (9.4 ± 2.5 vs 10.8 ± 1.6, P = .024) while no significant difference was observed for SNAQ scores (10.3 ± 2.9 vs 11.6 ± 3.6, P = .13). Logistic regressions did not show any significant association between polypharmacy and MNA or SNAQ categories. Conclusions Lower MNA scores were observed in OA taking ≥5 drugs/d indicating a higher risk of malnutrition with polypharmacy. This is significant since malnutrition can further worsen the aging process. Funding Sources N/A.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S247-S247
Author(s):  
Takashi Amano ◽  
Carlos Andres Gallegos

Abstract Providing effective public services to improve the nutritional status among older adults is pivotal in countries experiencing population aging. Public investment and social policy in Ecuador have focused mainly on standard food-based interventions and cash transference programs. These efforts, however, may be not effective enough to reach those populations that need the most. This study aims to identify those populations that should be targeted by specific interventions. Data were drawn from Ecuador’s Survey of Health, Welfare and Aging (SABE) – 2009, a probability sample of households with at least one person who were 60 years or older in Ecuador. The final sample consisted of 5,235 people who were 60 years or older. Ethnic identity was categorized into four categories: Indigenous People, Mestizo (Mixed of Spanish and Indigenous People), Afro-Ecuadorian/Mulato, and Other. Nutritional status was measured using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Ordered logistic regression analysis was utilized to assess the association between ethnic identity and nutritional status. Results revealed that the Indigenous ethnicity was significantly associated with worse nutritional status compared to Mestizo and Other even after controlling for a range of covariates including socio-economic status, health related factors, and social support. These findings suggest the existence of underlaying factors hindering the nutritional status of among indigenous older adults in Ecuador. Considering the information revealed by SABE, interventions and other strategies should be targeted and designed specifically accounting for the needs, preferences, and culture of the most vulnerable population.


2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 2834-2843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Xuan Koo ◽  
Min Li Kang ◽  
Angie Auyong ◽  
Glen Zq Liau ◽  
Jeremy Hoe ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveThe objectives of the present study were to assess the nutritional status, identify factors for malnutrition risk and evaluate barriers to adequate nutrition among recipients of the Public Assistance (PA) scheme for socio-economically disadvantaged Singaporeans.DesignUsing a cross-sectional study design, we assessed PA recipients’ malnutrition risk using the DETERMINE Nutritional Health checklist and the full Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), as well as their nutritional knowledge, co-morbidity burden, depression risk, instrumental and basic activities of daily living (IADL and BADL), and awareness and utilization of available food services. In-depth interviews were also conducted on malnourished individuals (MNA score < 17) to understand barriers to adequate nutrition.SettingHomes of community-living older adults and nursing homes of institutionalized older adults.SubjectsAll PA recipients aged ≥55 years in Central Singapore District.ResultsFour hundred and sixty-five of 511 (91·0 %) eligible PA recipients participated in the study. The prevalence of malnutrition in the study population was 2·8 %. However, 50·3 % were at risk of malnutrition. Among community-dwelling respondents, the risk of malnutrition was independently associated with age >75 years, currently unmarried, BADL impairment, depression risk and BMI < 19·0 kg/m2. Qualitative analysis revealed that financial, social and physical barriers and lack of knowledge were the main contributors to poor nutritional status. Only half were aware of subsidized food services and education increased interest in utilizing food services. Among nursing home respondents, those who were BADL impaired were more likely to be at risk of malnutrition.ConclusionsAmong PA recipients, the prevalence of malnutrition is low but the risk of malnutrition is high. Education on adequate nutrition and food services are recommended.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Urquiza ◽  
Iñaki Echeverria ◽  
Ariadna Besga ◽  
Maria Amasene ◽  
Idoia Labayen ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Older patients often experience a decline in functional and cognitive status after hospitalization. Although interventions involving physical exercise are effective in improving functional performance, participation in physical exercise interventions among older individuals is low. We aimed to identify the factors that contribute to exercise refusal among post-hospitalized older patients.METHODS: A cross-sectional study of recruitment data from a randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 495 hospitalized people ≥70 years old. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from the Basque Public Health System database. We determined physical function with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), nutritional status with the Mini-Nutritional Assessment, frailty according to the Fried phenotype criteria, and cognitive function with the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). Student’s t, Mann-Whitney U, or chi-squared tests were applied for bivariate analysis. Parameters significantly associated with participation were introduced in a logistic multivariate regression model.RESULTS: Among the analyzed patients, 88.8% declined participation in the physical exercise program. Multivariate regression revealed that older age (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07 - 1.19), poor nutritional status (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.69 - 0.95), and reduced home accessibility (OR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.08 - 0.94) were predictors of participation refusal. Moreover, patients who declined participation had worse performance on the SPPB (P < 0.05) and its tests of balance, leg strength, and walking speed (P < 0.05). No differences were found between groups in other variables. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms low participation of older adults in a post-hospitalization physical exercise program. Non-participation was associated with increased age, poor nutritional status, and reduced home accessibility. Our findings support the need for intervention design that accounts for these factors to increase older patient participation in beneficial exercise programs.TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12619000093189 (retrospectively registered): Registered January 22, 2019.


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