Prevalence and risk for malnutrition in older Thai people: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Malnutrition is potentially preventable in older people, but with varied reported prevalence. We assessed its prevalence, assessment methods, and risk factors in older Thai people.

Studies published from January 1, 2000, to September 30, 2020 were searched in Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and local databases. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled prevalence with subgroups analysis (setting of the patient, region). Forest plots displayed sensitivity and specificity for all nutritional screening tools validated against Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) with tests for heterogeneity. Publication bias was tested by funnel plot and Egger's test.

71 studies (total 23,788 subjects) were included where mean age was 65.5 to 78.3 years. The pooled prevalences of malnutrition were 10.4%, 6.1%, and 5.7% by body mass index (BMI), MNA, and MNA-Short Form (MNA-SF), respectively. At-risk of malnutrition prevalence was 42.6% using the MNA and 37.8% using the MNA-SF. The pooled prevalence of malnutrition by BMI <18.5 kg/m2 was 10.4% (95% CI 8.7-12.4). The pooled prevalence of malnutrition based on MNA was 6.1% (95% CI 3.8-9.4). It was highest among hospitalized patients and lowest in community-dwelling elders by both measures. Factors associated with malnutrition were female sex, advanced age, low education, living alone, living in rural areas, comorbidities, eating problems, and geriatric conditions.

The pooled prevalence of elder malnutrition was 6-10%, depending on assessment method and study setting. Hospitalized older people were at increased risk of malnutrition. It might be ameliorated through community directed food systems.