[Comparative analysis of two different methods of nutrition assessment in the institutionalized elderly]

A nutrition assessment is an evaluation of both objective and subjective data connected to an individual's food intake, lifestyle and medical record. In this study we've tried to assess, by two distinct methods, the nutrition of elderly persons, and to reveal some differences that result from the accuracy of each method in part.

The study focused on a group of 195 elderly institutionalized persons from Galaţi city, living in three different locations (A, B, C), along a period of 5 years. The quality of their nutrition was assessed by 60 standard nutritional inquiries, and by applying an individual questionnaire regarding to their subjective perception of the same aspect. Statistical analysis of the results was performed with programs EpiInfo 3.3 and SPSS 16.0.

On a subjective perspective (data collected from questionnaires) there are no significant differences between all these three groups of elderly persons about the quality of their food, the adequacy to their age requirements and about the misbalances observed in structuring the meals. Also, the majorities from every group appreciate that their nutrition registered an improvement since they were accepted in the institution. If we analyze retrospective the quality of the received food, in location A an elderly receives significantly more vegetables with 5% carbohydrates (both p < 0.001) and fruits (both p < 0.001) than in locations B and C. In the second location elderly menus contains significantly more milk (both p < 0.001) and fish (both p < 0.001) than in locations A and C. Comparative with the first two locations, in the third one menus excel in meat (p = 0.004 and p = 0.0026) and potatoes (both p < 0.001).

Even we've identified significantly differences between the average daily intakes elderly don't perceive them, as a consequence of their age and health status. Summarizing, the assessment of nutrition quality at elderly persons, should be compulsory an objective one.