Nutritional status of nursing home residents in Taiwan

The purpose of this study was to explore the nutritional status of nursing home residents. A convenience sample of 111 residents from four nursing homes in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was recruited. The residents' nutritional status was assessed on the basis of body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin level. Data on demographic characteristics, cognitive function, activities of daily living, and mode of feeding were collected and examined for association with nutritional status. Among the subjects, 41.1% had a BMI of less than 18.5 kg/m² and 18.9% had a serum albumin level of less than 3.5 g/dl. Mode of feeding was a significant predictor of malnutrition. When compared with residents on oral feedings, those on nasogastric (NG) feedings had four times the risk of a low BMI and about eight times the risk of a low albumin level. In conclusion, it is important to regularly assess the physical function and nutritional status of nursing home residents and adjust their dietary intake accordingly.