Determinants of Health Related Quality of Life in Home Dwelling Elderly Population: Appetite and Nutritional Status

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to examine nutritional risk factors such as poor appetite, malnutrition or obesity affecting health related quality of life in elderly.

Design and participants: This is a cross-sectional population-based study consisted of 407 elderly (142 men and 265 women) mean aged 71.7±6.54 years.

Measurements: Questionnaire including the demographic and general characteristics, health information, nutritional habits was performed by face-to-face interviews. Daily food consumption was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall. Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA) and Mini Nutrition Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) were used for assessment of nutrition status. Appetite was evaluated using the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ). Health related life quality scale (Short Form Health Survey -SF36) was used for evalution health related quality of life.

Results: According to MNA and MNA-SF 6.1%; 4.2% of elderly people were malnutrition and 40.3%; 21.9% of them were at risk of malnutrition respectively. Accordingly, SNAQ 28.7% of elderly were risk at loss of weight. Health related quality of life scores of women were significantly lower than men. Good nutritional (MNA-SF) and good appetite (SNAQ) status, increased 1.69, 1.48 fold in the mental component summary scale scores respectively. SNAQ was the best determinant of physical component summary scale score had the greatest positive effect, good appetite status increased approximately 2.2 fold in physical scores. Polypharmacy and high BMI decreased health related quality of life in elderly.

Conclusion: Determinants of quality of life are preventable and treatable with early and appropriate interventions in elderly.

Keywords: Health related quality of life; appetite; elderly; nutritional status.