Prevalence of undernutrition in elderly patients hospitalized in a geriatric unit in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

Objectives We evaluated, from anthropometric and biochemical indicators, the prevalence of undernutrition within an elderly population hospitalized in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and identified social demographic, clinical and biochemical factors associated with undernutrition. Methods A transverse sectional study involving 197 elderly patients was conducted. Anthropometric data were obtained from subjects directly or indirectly; clinical characteristics, including health problems, functional and cognitive abilities, and use of medication, were gathered from medical records; social demographic information was acquired by interviewing the subject or carer. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with undernutrition. Results According to the body mass index cutoff points recommended by the World Health Organization, 29.7% of subjects were classified as undernourished and 43.8% as eutrophic. Application of the Nutrition Screening Initiative system gave rise to an inverse situation in which 54.7% of subjects were considered undernourished and only 29.2% were eutrophic. Statistical analysis of the studied variables showed that calf circumference ≤31 cm was significantly associated with undernutrition (P < 0.0001) irrespective of the classification system employed, and may thus be considered a strong marker for undernutrition. In contrast, total serum cholesterol level ≥4.14 mmol/L was identified as a protective factor against undernutrition (P = 0.01). Conclusion The prevalence of undernutrition among the hospitalized elderly in Brazil is very high. The measurement of calf circumference is a non-invasive and economical approach that can facilitate evaluation of the nutritional status of elderly individuals.