Assessment of the nutritional status and quality of life in inpatients over the age of 65 with coronary artery disease

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status and quality of life of individuals over 65 years of age diagnosed with coronary artery disease. Methods: A total of 187 individuals (100 women and 87 men) diagnosed with coronary artery disease; hospitalised in the cardiology service of the Bursa Yüksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital; University of Health Sciences were included in the study. A questionnaire including the Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Elderly Module (WHOQOL-OLD) was administered to the individuals. Height and body weight measurements were taken; and body mass index (BMI) was calculated using formulas. Results: When the age distribution of the individuals was analysed; it was determined that 75.4% (n=141) were 65-74 years old and 24.6% (n=46) were 75 and older. It was determined that 46% of the individuals had normal nutritional status; 38.5% were at risk of malnutrition; and 15.5% were malnourished. When the scores obtained from the quality of life subscales were examined; it was determined that the group had high mean scores for intimacy (16.55±3.04) and autonomy (15.33±2.63); and medium mean scores for sensory functions (14.02±4.20); past; present; and future activities (14.49±2.98); social participation (13.67±3.43); and death and dying (13.90±4.88). The mean of the general scale of quality of life was found to be high (87.99±12.96). When the scores obtained from the MNA-SF test were analysed; it was found that the group mean was 10.65±2.86. This indicates that these individuals are at risk of malnutrition. When the relationships between quality of life subscales and MNA-SF were examined; it was seen that the highest relationships were found with social participation and quality of life general scale scores. Conclusion: The study found that 38.5% of individuals were at risk of malnutrition and 15.5% were malnourished; as indicated by MNA-SF scores. Higher nutritional status was significantly associated with better scores in quality of life; particularly in the domains of social participation and overall well-being. These findings emphasize the need for routine nutritional screening and targeted interventions in elderly inpatients with coronary artery disease.