Nutrients

Editorial

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3 pages, 161 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for the Special Issue: Geriatric Nursing Nutrition

by Edda Cava and Mauro Lombardo

Nutrients 2024, 16(24), 4420; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244420 - 23 Dec 2024

Viewed by 734

Abstract

Malnutrition, a significant risk factor for mortality and morbidity in the elderly, poses a huge threat in the geriatric population, showing a high prevalence, especially in people affected by chronic non-communicable age-related diseases [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Nursing Nutrition)

Research

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12 pages, 418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Staff Educational Components of the PROMOTE Program to Improve Resident Hydration

by Heather H. Keller, Raksha Aravind, Kristina Devlin, Safura Syed, Sophia Werden Abrams, Christina Lengyel, Minn N. Yoon, Ashwini Namasivayam-MacDonald, Susan E. Slaughter, Phyllis Gaspar and Wen Liu

Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3861; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223861 - 12 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1225

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Inadequate fluid intake is prevalent among older adults living in care settings and can lead to dehydration-related events such as falls and hospitalization. Staff knowledge and confidence using diverse strategies is needed to provide adequate hydration to residents. PROMOTE is a multicomponent [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Inadequate fluid intake is prevalent among older adults living in care settings and can lead to dehydration-related events such as falls and hospitalization. Staff knowledge and confidence using diverse strategies is needed to provide adequate hydration to residents. PROMOTE is a multicomponent intervention designed to support staff to increase resident fluid intake between meals. This study evaluated the educational components of PROMOTE. Methods: Participants (n = 87) working in long-term care or retirement homes completed an online pre-/post-test evaluation of a 7 min educational video. Key informant participants (n = 13) reviewed all educational materials, evaluated their usefulness and feasibility, and were interviewed to identify how to improve the materials. Results: The educational video improved knowledge (e.g., self-rating of knowledge pre-test median 8, standard error of the mean (SEM) 0.18; post-test median 9, SEM 0.13) and confidence. Participants intended to use PROMOTE strategies in their work with residents (1 [very likely] to 10 [very unlikely] median 2.0 SEM 0.27). Key informants rated the hydration of residents as an organizational priority (median 9.0 SEM 0.42) and all indicated that they would use the educational video in their future training. Less feasible educational components as rated by key informants included huddle discussions and email pushes. Posters were seen as feasible (54%) but only somewhat useful (77%). Conclusions: Brief educational videos can improve staff knowledge and confidence regarding providing adequate hydration to residents. Having several educational components that can be used with this video was viewed positively. Recommendations were made to improve the materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Nursing Nutrition)

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11 pages, 588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leucine Intake and Sarcopenia Indicators of an Elderly Group from the Metropolitan Region, Santiago de Chile, Who Participated in the Program for Complementary Food in Older People (PACAM)

by Edson Bustos-Arriagada, Migdalia Caridad Arazo-Rusindo, Gonzalo Rivera-Andrades, Francisco Pérez-Bravo, Oscar Castillo-Valenzuela, Jorge Barros-Velázquez and María Salomé Mariotti-Celis

Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3540; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203540 - 18 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1291

Abstract

Background and objective: The global aging population has led to increased noncommunicable diseases, often linked to poor diet and declining muscle strength and mass. This study assessed leucine intake and sarcopenia indicators among 181 adults aged 60–80 in Santiago, Chile, participating in the [...] Read more.

Background and objective: The global aging population has led to increased noncommunicable diseases, often linked to poor diet and declining muscle strength and mass. This study assessed leucine intake and sarcopenia indicators among 181 adults aged 60–80 in Santiago, Chile, participating in the Program for Complementary Food in Older People (PACAM), with 80% being women. Methods: Sarcopenia was evaluated through muscle strength and mass using the EWGSOP2 criteria for its identification. Results: 78.45% of participants did not meet the recommended leucine intake of 3 g per day and sarcopenia was identified in 17.13% of them. The skeletal muscle index was 48.07%, and hand grip strength was 26.52%, with men showing significantly higher grip strength (48.60% vs. 28.80%, p = 0.00). Inadequate leucine intake was more common in those aged 60–75 (85.9%) than those over 75 (p = 0.03). No significant differences in BMI, grip strength, or muscle mass were found between those with adequate and inadequate leucine intake, and PACAM food consumption did not significantly affect these parameters. A sub-analysis showed significant differences in grip strength among powdered dairy drink consumers (35.20% vs. 17.80%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Chilean elderly participating in PACAM present a high prevalence of sarcopenia and leucine deficiency among with no notable benefits from PACAM foods intake. Despite the limitations of the local body composition assessment method, this research addresses a critical public health issue in Chile. Future studies should evaluate physical performance and focus on leucine supplementation to clarify its effects on sarcopenia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Nursing Nutrition)

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11 pages, 576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrient Intake and Its Association with Appendicular Total Lean Mass and Muscle Function and Strength in Older Adults: A Population-Based Study

by Miguel Germán Borda, Jessica Samuelsson, Tommy Cederholm, Jonathan Patricio Baldera, Mario Ulises Pérez-Zepeda, George E. Barreto, Anna Zettergren, Silke Kern, Lina Rydén, Mariana Gonzalez-Lara, Salomón Salazar-Londoño, Gustavo Duque, Ingmar Skoog and Dag Aarsland

Nutrients 2024, 16(4), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040568 - 19 Feb 2024

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4236

Abstract

Treatment options for sarcopenia are currently limited, and primarily rely on two main therapeutic approaches: resistance-based physical activity and dietary interventions. However, details about specific nutrients in the diet or supplementation are unclear. We aim to investigate the relationship between nutrient intake and [...] Read more.

Treatment options for sarcopenia are currently limited, and primarily rely on two main therapeutic approaches: resistance-based physical activity and dietary interventions. However, details about specific nutrients in the diet or supplementation are unclear. We aim to investigate the relationship between nutrient intake and lean mass, function, and strength. Data were derived from the Gothenburg H70 birth cohort study in Sweden, including 719,70-year-olds born in 1944 (54.1% females). For independent variables, the diet history method (face-to-face interviews) was used to estimate habitual food intake during the preceding three months. Dependent variables were gait speed (muscle performance), hand grip strength (muscle strength), and the appendicular lean soft tissue index (ALSTI). Linear regression analyses were performed to analyze the relationship between the dependent variables and each of the covariates. Several nutrients were positively associated with ALSTI, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA, EPA), selenium, zinc, riboflavin, niacin equivalent, vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, and protein. After correction for multiple comparisons, there were no remaining correlations with handgrip and gait speed. Findings of positive correlations for some nutrients with lean mass suggest a role for these nutrients in maintaining muscle volume. These results can be used to inform clinical trials to expand the preventive strategies and treatment options for individuals at risk of muscle loss and sarcopenia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Nursing Nutrition)

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12 pages, 286 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet Is Inversely Associated with Anxiety and Stress but Not Depression: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Community-Dwelling Older Australians

by Lisa Allcock, Evangeline Mantzioris and Anthony Villani

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030366 - 26 Jan 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 7314

Abstract

Diet quality may be an important modifiable risk factor for mental health disorders. However, these findings have been inconsistent, particularly in older adults. We explored the independent associations between adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and severity of symptoms related to depression, anxiety [...] Read more.

Diet quality may be an important modifiable risk factor for mental health disorders. However, these findings have been inconsistent, particularly in older adults. We explored the independent associations between adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and severity of symptoms related to depression, anxiety and stress in older adults from Australia. This was a cross-sectional analysis of older Australians ≥ 60 years. MedDiet adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS−21) was used to assess the severity of negative emotional symptoms. A total of n = 294 participants were included in the final analyses (70.4 ± 6.2 years). Adherence to a MedDiet was inversely associated with the severity of anxiety symptoms (β = −0.118; CI: −0.761, −0.012; p = 0.043) independent of age, gender, BMI, physical activity, sleep, cognitive risk and ability to perform activities of daily living. Furthermore, MedDiet adherence was inversely associated with symptoms of stress (β = −0.151; CI: −0.680, −0.073; p = 0.015) independent of age, gender, BMI, physical activity and sleep. However, no relationship between MedDiet adherence and depressive symptoms was observed. We showed that adherence to a MedDiet is inversely associated with the severity of symptoms related to anxiety and stress but not depression. Exploring these findings with the use of longitudinal analyses and robust clinical trials are needed to better elucidate these findings in older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Nursing Nutrition)

9 pages, 563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Obesity in Nursing Home Patients: Association with Common Care Problems

by Silvia Bauer, Doris Eglseer and Franziska Großschädl

Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3188; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143188 - 18 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2350

Abstract

(1) Background: There is not much research about obesity in nursing homes although knowledge will help us to develop customized treatment plans and prevention strategies, which may help to decrease the burden for all persons involved. The objective of conducting this study was [...] Read more.

(1) Background: There is not much research about obesity in nursing homes although knowledge will help us to develop customized treatment plans and prevention strategies, which may help to decrease the burden for all persons involved. The objective of conducting this study was to describe the prevalence of obesity and the association between obesity and care problems in nursing home patients. (2) Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis of data collected in an annually performed cross-sectional study called “Nursing Quality Measurement 2.0”. A standardized and tested questionnaire was used to collect data. (3) Results: In total, 1236 nursing home patients took part, and 16.7% of them were obese. The multivariate logistic regression analysis results show that urinary incontinence is significantly associated with the presence of obesity (OR 2.111). The other care problems of pressure injuries, fecal and double incontinence, physical restraints, falls, and pain were not associated with obesity. (4) Conclusions: The results indicate that, in the nursing home setting, healthcare staff should pay special attention to the patients’ nutritional status and help patients to maintain a healthy weight and prevent a loss of muscle mass and function. Conducting more studies with larger sample sizes is recommended, as this will allow for differentiation among different obesity classes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Nursing Nutrition)

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Review

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17 pages, 612 KiB

Open AccessReview

Resources to Support Decision-Making Regarding End-of-Life Nutrition Care in Long-Term Care: A Scoping Review

by Heather Alford, Nadia Anvari, Christina Lengyel, Abigail Wickson-Griffiths, Paulette Hunter, Erin Yakiwchuk and Allison Cammer

Nutrients 2024, 16(8), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16081163 - 13 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2128

Abstract

Resources are needed to aid healthcare providers and families in making end-of-life nutrition care decisions for residents living in long-term care settings. This scoping review aimed to explore what is reported in the literature about resources to support decision-making at the end of [...] Read more.

Resources are needed to aid healthcare providers and families in making end-of-life nutrition care decisions for residents living in long-term care settings. This scoping review aimed to explore what is reported in the literature about resources to support decision-making at the end of life in long-term care. Four databases were searched for research published from 2003 to June 2023. Articles included peer-reviewed human studies published in the English language that reported resources to support decision-making about end-of-life nutrition in long-term care settings. In total, 15 articles were included. Thematic analysis of the articles generated five themes: conversations about care, evidence-based decision-making, a need for multidisciplinary perspectives, honouring residents’ goals of care, and cultural considerations for adapting resources. Multidisciplinary care teams supporting residents and their families during the end of life can benefit from resources to support discussion and facilitate decision-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Nursing Nutrition)

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Other

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12 pages, 890 KiB

Open AccessStudy Protocol

Evaluation of the Effect of a Mobile Application on Glycated Hemoglobin in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus—Protocol of a Randomized Clinical Trial

by Raíza Rana de Souza Lima Trombini, Rafaella Dusi, Alayne Larissa Martins Pereira, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, Marina Morato Stival, Verônica Cortez Ginani and Silvana Schwerz Funghetto

Nutrients 2024, 16(19), 3360; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193360 - 3 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1916

Abstract

Background: Digital educational technologies in health have been an important instrument for promoting learning, self-care, self-esteem, and security regarding prevention and health promotion actions that lead to changes in behavior, mainly for non-communicable disease patients, such as type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM 2). [...] Read more.

Background: Digital educational technologies in health have been an important instrument for promoting learning, self-care, self-esteem, and security regarding prevention and health promotion actions that lead to changes in behavior, mainly for non-communicable disease patients, such as type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM 2). Objective: This study aimed to describe a protocol for evaluating the effect of an app for cell phones and tablets on the blood glucose of older adults with DM 2. Methods: The protocol will be used to compare the effectiveness of an application for mobile devices concerning the educational booklet in reducing Glycated Hemoglobin in older adults with DM 2 in Primary Health Care. This protocol is part of a Randomized Clinical Trial project entitled Effectiveness of a Mobile Device Application on Glycated Hemoglobin in Elderly People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a Randomized Clinical Trial. Results: The protocol was structured in the following phases: (i) sample calculation, (ii) invitation to participate in the study according to the eligibility criteria; (iii) participant registration; (iv) randomization and allocation of participants into groups (double blinding); (v) application of the intervention; (vi) post-intervention procedures (post-test); (vii) data analysis. Conclusion: It is expected that encouraging studies on the impact of a mobile application will improve and enhance health education focused on self-care for older adults with DM 2, potentially influencing the local health system by reducing hospitalizations due to conditions that are sensitive to primary care, since health promotion and prevention of DM-related illnesses will be the main focus of the application and booklet developed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geriatric Nursing Nutrition)

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