Malnutrition is common in older adults. The etiology is complex and include unintended medication effects. An increasing number elderly with impaired health live in their own homes, supported by home nursing service and followed-ups from a General Practitioner (GP). Good nutritional status and proper drug treatment can help the older adults to live longer in their own homes, maintaining independence and dignity and reducing the need for space in nursing homes.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition in older adults (70 years+), who receives home nursing service in two municipalities, and to explore possible associations between their nutritional status and ongoing drug treatment. Further we will recruit those who are malnourished or at nutritional risk to participate in an interventional follow-up study.
Sub-projects
The project consist of two sub-studies:
- Mapping the nutritional status and medication use of older adults in two municipalities. A cross-sectional study.
- In older adults, who are malnourished or at nutritional risk, investigate the effect of a composite intervention with an individual nutritional plan and medication review. A pragmatic clinical controlled study
Financing
The Norwegian Research Fund for General Practice