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Background & Aims: Malnutrition is a common problem in the elderly living in nursing homes. A clear understanding of associated factors is missing. The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence of malnutrition and to determine factors independently associated with malnutrition in this setting., Methods: A cross-sectional, multi-centre study was conducted in 23 nursing homes in Flanders, Belgium. The nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Data on possible associated factors were collected using validated scales., Results: The study included 1188 elderly residents; 38.7% were at risk for malnutrition and 19.4% were malnourished. The presence of a wound/pressure ulcer, a recent hospitalization (<3 months ago), being involved in a tailored nutritional intervention, and suffering from a lower cognitive state were significantly associated with malnutrition. Receiving additional meals provided by family members was negatively associated with malnutrition., Conclusion: Malnutrition is a prevalent problem in nursing homes in Flanders. Systematic screening and well-defined tailored interventions should be further developed and evaluated in this population at risk., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)

Background & Aims: In Belgium, general data on the prevalence of malnutrition are lacking. Prevalence rates are necessary to gain insight into the magnitude of malnutrition and to establish a nutrition policy that takes the limited health care resources into account. This study aimed to obtain insight into the prevalence of malnutrition in Belgian elderly hospital wards and to identify factors associated with the malnutrition prevalence., Methods: A cross-sectional, multi-centre study in elderly wards of Belgian hospitals. The nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment. A standardised questionnaire was used to record demographic data and data on potential factors associated with malnutrition., Results: Out of 2329 elderly patients, 33% suffered from malnutrition. Almost 43% of the patients were at risk of malnutrition and 24% were well-nourished. Having swallowing difficulties, taste difficulties, and being transferred from a nursing home were strongly associated with being malnourished., Conclusion: The malnutrition prevalence in Belgian elderly hospitals wards is similar to international figures. Elderly who have swallowing difficulties, taste difficulties, or coming from a nursing home may need adequate nutritional care. Given the negative impact of malnutrition on mortality and morbidity, an emphasis should be placed on an effective nutritional policy., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.)