A recent study has revealed that one-third of Canadian adults aged 55 or older are at risk of poor nutrition, potentially leading to an increase in hospital stays, more frequent emergency room visits, and additional consultations with physicians due to potential infections. This investigation, conducted by researchers at the University of Waterloo, assessed data involving over 22,000 adults residing in communities aged 55 and above, sourced from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. The initial assessments were followed by a monitoring period of up to three years to observe participants’ usage of health services during the previous year.
To determine the nutritional risk of individuals, the research team employed the SCREEN-8 tool, short for Seniors in the Community Risk Evaluation for Eating and Nutrition. Findings from the study indicated that participants who scored higher on the SCREEN-8 during the initial screening—suggesting better nutritional status—were significantly less likely to report overnight hospital stays, visit emergency rooms, or consult a doctor for infections during the three-year follow-up.
Dr. Heather Keller, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences and the Schlegel Research Chair in Nutrition and Aging, commented on the significance of these findings. She explained that although the results might seem intuitive, they underscore the importance of a simple, cost-effective tool that could significantly enhance healthcare outcomes and reduce associated costs. Dr. Keller advocates integrating SCREEN-8 into routine primary care practice, noting that it is also suitable for self-administration at home.
The issue of nutritional risk among older adults, particularly those living in community settings, is critical as it often precedes malnutrition. The SCREEN-8 questionnaire covers various topics, including changes in weight, appetite, challenges related to eating (such as choking or difficulty swallowing), meal preparation habits, and consuming fruits, vegetables, and fluids. These areas are vital for maintaining good health and preventing further complications.
The demographic profile of the study sample was balanced in terms of gender, with an average participant age of around 66 years. Most participants lived with a partner, and two-thirds held post-secondary degrees. However, the study acknowledged a limitation in its demographic scope, as the sample predominantly consisted of highly educated, white individuals, thus not fully representing the broader Canadian population. Dr. Keller emphasized the utility of identifying individuals at nutritional risk, as it allows for modifying behaviours to prevent adverse health outcomes. She also highlighted the need for further research to explore how healthcare providers can effectively triage and offer education, programming, and services to mitigate high-risk cases.
More information: Heather Keller et al, Baseline nutrition risk as measured by SCREEN-8 predicts self-reported 12-month healthcare service use of older adults 3 years later, Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism. DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2024-0288
Journal information: Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism Provided by University of Waterloo
