RISK INDICATORS FOR MALNUTRITION ARE ASSOCIATED INVERSELY WITH QUALITY-OF-LIFE FOR PARTICIPANTS IN MEAL PROGRAMS FOR OLDER ADULTS

Objective To evaluate the nature and strength of associations between quality of life and factors commonly linked with malnutrition in parti cipants in a meal program for the elderly. Design A questionnaire that assessed quality of life, nutritional risk, quality of health, depres sion, social satisfaction, functional status, food security, and food enjoyment was administered. Subjects/setting All persons aged 60 years and older enrolled in the Title III-C meal program in Pepin County, W isconsin, during a 1-month period were asked to participate. Of 180 el igible subjects, data were available for 155; 108 received meals at co ngregate sites and 47 received home-delivered meals. Statistical analy ses performed Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the pop ulation. Independent-samples t tests and chi(2) analysis were used to test for differences between the congregate-meal group and home-delive red-meal group. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to determi ne the direction and magnitude of associations between scale variables and quality of life. Results Quality of life and quality of health we re positively correlated (r=.83, P<.0001.) Nutritional risk, food inse curity, decreased enjoyment of food, depression, and impaired function al status were all negatively associated with quality of life. This re search offers evidence that there are measurable associations between nutritional factors and quality of life. Applications Our findings cou ld be helpful to dietitians in justifying, planning, and evaluation nu trition programs and interventions. Quality of life in older adults ma y be further enhanced by programs that include social and psychologica l components in addition to elements oriented to reduce nutritional ri sk.