Journal of

Introduction and purpose: Nutrition is considered as an important health determinant among elderly. Malnutrition is recognized as a risk factor in several disease including cancer, heart disease, and dementia in older population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess nutritional status and associated factors among elderly hospitalized in cardiac care unit.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among 254 elderly patients (aged more than 60 years old) hospitalized in cardiac care unit due to cardiovascular disease. Data were collected using Mini nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaires. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze data via appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tests.

Findings: Findings from the current study showed that 16.9% suffered from malnutrition, 37.4% were at risk of malnutrition and 45.7% had satisfactory nutritional status. In addition, we found series of significant relationships between health status and nutrition as well as demographic factor (p value< 0/001).

Conclusion:  Malnutrition is a common risk factor among hospitalized elderly which jeopardize their health status. Therefore, screening and recognizing hospitalized elderly who are at risk of malnutrition plays an important role in its prevention.