Factors associated with malnutrition risk among elderly with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from Hospital Serdang and Institut Perubatan Respiratori

Background: Malnutrition is present in both Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and elderly patients. The occurrence of malnutrition in the elderly together with COPD could lead to mortality. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine factors that are associated with malnutrition risk among the elderly with COPD. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 108 elderly patients diagnosed with COPD was conducted at Respiratory Clinic of Institut Perubatan Respiratori and Hospital Serdang. Data collection comprised Body Mass Index (BMI), Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI), body fat, handgrip strength and dietary intake. For Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), COPD Assessment Test (CAT) was used. Malnutrition risk was determined using Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF). A higher MNA-SF score would indicate a lower malnutrition risk. Result: A small number of of the patients (12%) were classified as malnourished while the majority of them (53%) were identified as at risk of malnutrition. Lower BMI, FFMI, body fat and handgrip strength were found to be related with malnutrition. A low HRQOL was associated with malnutrition. However, no association was found for dietary intake. Conclusion: Malnutrition was an area of concern in COPD patients especially when they are elderly. An in-depth nutrition assessment in COPD patients at primary settings is needed to improve their overall health status.

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