Estado nutricional de adultos mayores de 60 años pertenecientes al Gerontológico María Reina Paz en el barrio de Totoracoha. Cuenca-Ecuador

Abstract

Aim: To determine the nutritional status of adults over 60 years of age belonging to the María Reina de la Paz Gerontology Center in the Totoracoha neighborhood of the city of Cuenca and relate it to autonomy, cognitive level and oral health. Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Anthropometric parameters have been determined (weight, height, BMI, circumferences, folds), as well as dietary intake (24-hour reminder). For cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer test); physical deterioration (Barthel Index) and oral health (Oral Health Assessment Index in Geriatrics) The Mini Nutritional Assessment short form (MNA-SF) test has been used as a nutritional screening test. Results: In older adults there are malnutrition problems in 57.54%, they also present cardiovascular risk, high fat percentage. In this population there is a relationship between the risk of malnutrition determined by MNA-SF and waist circumference, percentage of body fat mass and level of education. Most older adults have a low intake in terms of energy intake, as well as macro and micronutrients. Conclusions: There is a risk of malnutrition as well as cardiovascular risk, they have high levels of body fat, in terms of food intake there is a prevalence of undernourishment in calories, macro and micronutrients. When comparing the risk of malnutrition by MNA-SF with other parameters, only a relationship was shown with waist circumference, percentage of body fat mass and level of education, there was a trend without relation of the risk of malnutrition with marital status, cognitive impairment, and oral health.