Malnutrition in hospitalised older adults: A multicentre observational study of prevalence, associations and outcomes

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is common in older adults and is associated with high costs and adverse outcomes. The prevalence, predictors and outcomes of malnutrition on admission to hospital are not clear for this population. Design: Prospective Cohort Study. Setting: Six hospital sites (five public, one private). Participants: In total, 606 older adults aged 70+ were included. All elective and acute admissions to any speciality were eligible. Day-case admissions and those moribund on admission were excluded. Measurements: Sociodemographic and clinical data, including nutritional status (Mini-Nutritional Assessment–short form), was collected within 36 hours of admission. Outcome data was collec..