Malnutrition and other associated factors among the hospitalized elderly in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study

Malnutrition is common among older inpatients and can lead to severe consequences such as disability, assisted living, increased mortality, and prolonged hospital stays. Given the rapidly aging population in Vietnam, limited data is available regarding the nutritional status of the geriatric. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and associated factors among the hospitalized elderly. A prospective observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted on 108 older inpatients at University Medical Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Patients aged 60 years or older admitted to the hospital were recruited. Malnutrition was assessed using a validated Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form. Sociodemographic characteristics were measured using interview-administered questionnaires. Data about patients’ biochemical parameters were retrieved from records with the newest results. Among 108 hospitalized patients (mean age 74.6 ± 9.8 years; 50% female), 72.2% of patients had malnutrition (n = 78) while 27.8% had normal nutritional status (n = 30). Age group, education level, cohabitation, serum albumin, hand-drip strength, physical inactivity, and frailty were associated with malnutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition in the elderly accounts for a very high proportion. Nutritional status assessment is essential for the elderly; therefore, more attention should be paid to those risk factors in old age health care in order to improve medical outcomes.