Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
7. ULUSLARARASI EVDE SAĞLIK VE SOSYAL HİZMETLER KONGRESİ / 4. ULUSLARARASI PALYATİF BAKIM KONGRESİ, Ankara, Türkiye, 13 - 16 Kasım 2025, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.284-285, (Özet Bildiri)
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition, associated risk factors, and treatment approaches in elderly individuals receiving home health care based on current evidence. As the method, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published between 2015 and 2025, including cross-sectional studies conducted in Iran, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Norway, as well as recent studies from Türkiye. Findings showed that the prevalence of malnutrition among elderly home health care recipients ranged from 8% to 20%, while the risk of malnutrition was reported between 40% and 60%. Similar results were observed in studies from Türkiye, where advanced age, living alone, polypharmacy, chronic disease burden, and functional dependence were identified as major risk factors. The literature also highlights that the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and its short form (MNA-SF) are valid and reliable screening tools with strong predictive value for frailty and mortality. In conclusion, malnutrition is a common and critical health problem in older adults receiving home health care. Recommendations include routine nutritional screening during home visits, the use of oral nutritional supplements, providing enteral or parenteral nutrition when indicated, consultation with dietitians, strengthening nursing follow-up, and adopting a multidisciplinary care approach. Additionally, caregiver education and individualized nutritional care plans are suggested strategies to prevent malnutrition and improve the quality of life of elderly individuals in home health care settings.