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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1994

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Phyllis Gaspar

Keywords

nutrition for nursing home patients, psychology of nursing home patients, patient satisfaction

Abstract

The incidence of malnutrition has been reported to range from 10 to 85%in residents of long term facilities. Studies have addressed the nutritional intake in nursing homes. However, studies have not examined the association of nutritional intake and psychosocial well-being and mood and behavior patterns. The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional intake and the association of nutritional intake and a) psychosocial well-being and b) mood and behavior patterns among nursing home residents.
Thirty-nine subjects (mean age of 86.3 years) residing in a nursing home were observed for two 24 hour periods. Food and fluids were recorded. Data were obtained from the Minimum Data Set. Caloric intake ranged from 964 to 3009.5 kcal with a mean of 1717 kcal. The mean percent of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calories was 112%. The subjects had a mean intake of three calories producing nutrients below 100%of the RDA. These were fiber, fats-polyunsaturated, and cholesterol. The mean intake of two of the 12 vitamins (B6 and pantothenic) and three minerals (copper, magnesium and zinc) was below 100% of RDA.
Correlation between each nutrient was determined. Since calories were associated with all but two of the nutrients, it was chosen to represent nutritional intake. No significance was found with calories and: a) age and b) length of stay. Using calories at 100% of the RDA, the sample was divided into a low intake group and high intake group. A significance association was not found with mood and behavior patterns. Association was found between two of the sections of psychosocial well-being. These sections were: a) unsettled relationship and b) past roles. Even though the nutritional intake was adequate for the sample, based on the current RDA, health care providers need to be alert to the nutritional needs of the older adult. Health care workers need to bead dress factors that affect the older adult in order to promote health and well being, and lower the cost of health care.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Nursing home patients -- Nutrition
Nursing home patients -- Psychology
Patient satisfaction

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

70

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 1994 Maxine Kilstrom. All rights reserved

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