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Background <p>It is an undeniable fact that older adults constitute a particularly vulnerable segment of society, facing an elevated risk of both malnutrition and food insecurity. These are two important problems that impact their general health, in addition to their dietary status. Additionally, food insecurity and malnutrition can affect compliance with the Mediterranean diet.</p> Aim <p>This study aims to examine the relationship between malnutrition (assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form, MNA-SF), food insecurity (assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, HFIAS), and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, MEDAS) in community-dwelling older adults.</p> Methods <p>1072 community-dwelling older adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Demographic characteristics of the individuals were questioned with the help of a questionnaire. Malnutrition status, food insecurity and compliance with the Mediterranean diet were assessed with questionnaires.</p> Results <p>The mean age of the participants was 71.5 ± 6.0 years, with 55.3% being female. According to the results of the study, 26.5% of the individuals were found to be at risk of malnutrition, and 4.0% were malnourished. 15% of individuals were food insecure and 54.6% were in compliance with the Mediterranean diet. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the factors influencing the MNA-SF score. The model, which assessed the impact of gender, age, education level, income status, body mass index (BMI), and HFIAS score on MNA-SF, was found to be significant (R²=0.419; <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). A negative significant correlation was found between the HFIAS score and education level, income status, number of main meals and snacks (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). However, no statistically significant correlation was found between the MEDAS score and HFIAS score and MNA-SF score (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05).</p> Conclusion <p>In conclusion, there is a significant relationship between food insecurity and malnutrition. Developing strategies and taking precautions regarding food insecurity in the older adult group, which is quite fragile, may be effective in reducing the prevalence of malnutrition.</p>

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Evaluation of the relationship between malnutrition (MNA-SF), food insecurity, and compliance with the mediterranean diet in community-dwelling older adults

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月3日

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  • Özge Mengi Çelik,
  • Zilal Ağbal,
  • Emine Merve Ekici

摘要

Background

It is an undeniable fact that older adults constitute a particularly vulnerable segment of society, facing an elevated risk of both malnutrition and food insecurity. These are two important problems that impact their general health, in addition to their dietary status. Additionally, food insecurity and malnutrition can affect compliance with the Mediterranean diet.

Aim

This study aims to examine the relationship between malnutrition (assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form, MNA-SF), food insecurity (assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, HFIAS), and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, MEDAS) in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

1072 community-dwelling older adults participated in this cross-sectional study. Demographic characteristics of the individuals were questioned with the help of a questionnaire. Malnutrition status, food insecurity and compliance with the Mediterranean diet were assessed with questionnaires.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 71.5 ± 6.0 years, with 55.3% being female. According to the results of the study, 26.5% of the individuals were found to be at risk of malnutrition, and 4.0% were malnourished. 15% of individuals were food insecure and 54.6% were in compliance with the Mediterranean diet. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the factors influencing the MNA-SF score. The model, which assessed the impact of gender, age, education level, income status, body mass index (BMI), and HFIAS score on MNA-SF, was found to be significant (R²=0.419; p < 0.001). A negative significant correlation was found between the HFIAS score and education level, income status, number of main meals and snacks (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant correlation was found between the MEDAS score and HFIAS score and MNA-SF score (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is a significant relationship between food insecurity and malnutrition. Developing strategies and taking precautions regarding food insecurity in the older adult group, which is quite fragile, may be effective in reducing the prevalence of malnutrition.