Evaluation of Nutritional Status in Elderly Patients with NRS-2002 Screening Test and Comparison of Results with Laboratory Parameters

Abstract

Background: Nutritional deficiencies are more common in the elderly who receive home care services than general elderly population. Objectives: In this study, it is aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional status of elderly patients receiving home health care services and laboratory parameters. Methods: This study included 178 patients who agreed to participate in the program from a 65-year-old or older patient at the home health care
program. The methodology applied the nutritional risk scanning evaluation form as a face-to-face study. Data were evaluated a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The ages of the subjects participating in the study ranged from 65 to 103 years. According to the total values of NRS-2002, 34.3% were undernourished, and 73% had a risk of malnutrition. The NRS-2002 total classification laboratory test values have a statistically significant difference (p<0.01).The study detected low total protein, albumin, iron, total iron-binding capacity, folic acid and high vitamin B12 at a meaningful and high level (p<0.05) in the non-risk cases. C-reactive protein was significantly higher, and high triglyceride levels were significantly lower (p<0.05).Conclusions: Elderly patients who need health care at home should undergo extensive laboratory tests and physical examinations that asses anamnesis, physical and
mental functions, and should receive screening specifically for the risk of malnutrition.