Objective:

To analyze the nutritional status of institutionalized elderly people in the two public residential centers of the Metropolitan Area of A Coruña.

Methodology:

Cross-sectional, analytical and multicenter observational study. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Data collection was homogenized using a hetero-administered anonymous questionnaire composed of 2 sociodemographic questions, 2 dietary questions, 3 clinical questions and 5 validated clinical scales.

Results:

The prevalence of malnutrition was 4%. The study confirmed associations between malnutrition and special diet (p = 0.003), protein supplement (p = 0.001), BMI (p = 0.001), Barthel index (p < 0.001) and Braden scale (p < 0.001). Malnourished people take more protein supplements (OR = 4.000) and have more pressure injuries (OR = 1.910). The analysis of the MNA, short (SF) and long (LF) versions, showed good correlation (ρ = 0.852) and agreement (KC = 0.650). The validity of the MNA-SF was good: sensitivity 100%, specificity 96%.

Conclusions:

The sample studied has a low prevalence of elderly people with malnutrition, observing that these elderly people tend to consume more special diet and protein supplements, have more pressure injuries, lower BMI and lower functional capacity than eutrophic people. Furthermore, the results allow us to recommend the MNA-SF as a nutritional screening tool and the MNA-LF as a reference test for cases that require a precise evaluation.

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