Nutritional status of Saudi males living in the Riyadh nursing home

This study evaluated the nutritional status of residents in the Riyadh nursing home, using anthropometric and haematological measurements. All male residents (N=84; age range 24-80 years) in the Riyadh nursing home were included in the study. Weight, height, body mass index, triceps skin fold thickness, and mid-arm muscle circumference were measured. Furthermore, serum concentrations of albumin, haemoglobin and haematocrit were measured. About 13% of adult residents and 11% of elderly residents were considered to be underweight (body mass index <18.5 kg/m(2)). From estimations of fat mass in the periphery, using triceps skin fold thickness, it appears that the elderly residents had significantly lower fat mass compared to the adult residents (P <0.05). The results showed that more than 40% of residents had low mid-arm muscle circumference (<22.3 cm). Serum albumin concentration was significantly lower in the elderly group than in the adult group (P<0.01). No significant difference was found in haematocrit level between the adult and elderly residents. Within the adult group, about 38% of residents had low haemoglobin level (<12 mg/dl), and this proportion was even higher, about 55%, in elderly residents. Based on body mass index or albumin to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among residents, the results have shown that the prevalence of undernourished residents was not higher than the prevalence of undernourished nursing-home residents reported in other studies. The percentage of elderly residents with anaemia was appreciable. Thus, undernourished and anemic residents should have special dietary and medical attention. Early detection of malnutrition upon admission would lead to early intervention and thus to reduced complications and medical-treatment costs. Staff working in nursing homes should be aware of the nutritional guidelines for health and disease.