Abstract:

Objective: Malnutrition and under nutrition are common phenomena in elderly. The prevalence of malnutrition is even higher in older people admitted to home health care services. Our aim was to evaluate the nutritional status and its effect on biochemical parameters of the elderly people admitted to home health care services. Methods: Our study was performed in 178 participants admitted to the home health care services. Validated Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) form was used and biochemical tests were performed. Results: Main age of the participants is 81.19±8.22 years and 32% of participants were male, 68% were women. According to MNA 33.1% were malnourished, 39.3% were under malnutrition risk and 27.5% were in normal nutritional status. Hemoglobin, total iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), vitamin B12, folic acid and lymphocyte levels were significantly lower, ferritin and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in malnutrition group. Total iron and albumin levels were significantly lower and CRP levels were significantly higher in under nutrition group compared to subjects with normal nutritional status. Conclusion: Elderly people given home care are under greater risk of malnutrition. If not appropriately managed, malnutrition is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Therefore it is essential to closely monitor the nutritional situation status of the elderly people who are admitted to home health care services

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