Background and importance A high risk of malnutrition is associated with decreased functionality and quality of life. Early identification of malnutrition risk by nutrition assessments plays an important role in the successful interventions in the elderly.

Aim and objectives To determine the nutritional status of residents in a long term care facility.

Material and methods A descriptive, observational, cross sectional study was completed during the month of March 2019. All patients in a long term care facility were included during that month, except for day and short term residents. Collected data were age, sex, weight, height, mid-arm and calf circumferences and body mass index (BMI).

MNA is a validated screening tool that is used to evaluate nutritional status in the elderly. It comprises two sections: screening with six questions with a maximum score of 14 (0–7, malnutrition; 8–11, risk of malnutrition; 12–14, normal nutritional status) and a full evaluation with 12 items up to a maximum score of 16. The sum of both parts is the final score and establishes three ranges: 24–30=normal nutritional status, 17–23.5=at risk of malnutrition and <17=malnutrition.

Both sections of the MNA were completed by all residents and information on the possible causes of malnutrition was provided. Serum albumin was also determined (normal value 3.4–4.8 g/dL).

Conclusion and relevance Screening and serum albumin levels confirmed normal nutritional status. However, when the full MNA test score was obtained, a higher prevalence than expected of patients at risk of malnutrition was noticed. These results show the need to monitor the degree of nutrition of institutionalised patients to develop strategies that can improve the overall status and set new lines of action.

References and/or acknowledgements http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0212-16112008000800020

https://www.eahp.eu/sites/default/files/files/Milan%20EJHP%20abstract%20book.pdf

No conflict of interest.