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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Malnutrition | Research article

Malnutrition risks and their associated factors among home-living older Chinese adults in Hong Kong: hidden problems in an affluent Chinese community

Authors: Martin M. H. Wong, Winnie K. W. So, Kai Chow Choi, Regina Cheung, Helen Y. L. Chan, Janet W. H. Sit, Brenda Ho, Francis Li, Tin Yan Lee, Sek Ying Chair

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Although China is undergoing rapid economic development, it is facing an ageing population. No data exists on malnutrition risks of older adults in an affluent Chinese society. The aim of this study is to examine these risks and identify their associated factors among home-living older Chinese adults in Hong Kong.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study, to which home-living subjects aged 60 or above were recruited, between May and September 2017, from a non-governmental community organisation located in three different districts of Hong Kong. Nutritional status was assessed by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and its associated factors examined included socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, health status and diet. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with malnutrition risks (MNA < 24).

Results

Six hundred thirteen subjects (mean age: 78.5 ± 7.4; 54.0% females) completed the survey. Nearly 30% (n = 179) were at risk of malnutrition. By multivariable logistic regression, subjects (1) whose vision was only fair or unclear, (2) with poor usual appetite and (3) with main meal skipping behaviour had significantly higher malnutrition risk (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In this affluent Chinese society, the malnutrition risk in older adults is close to the global average, which is a matter for much concern. Interventions are therefore warranted that target vulnerable groups with poor vision, appetite, and meal skipping behaviour.

Trial registration

Not applicable.

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Title: Malnutrition risks and their associated factors among home-living older Chinese adults in Hong Kong: hidden problems in an affluent Chinese community
Authors: Martin M. H. Wong
Winnie K. W. So
Kai Chow Choi
Regina Cheung
Helen Y. L. Chan
Janet W. H. Sit
Brenda Ho
Francis Li
Tin Yan Lee
Sek Ying Chair
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Malnutrition
Published in: BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1148-5

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