Factors Affecting The Prevalence Of Malnutrition Essay

Despite the vast research on nutrition and health, malnutrition is still a major fatality in this present day. Policymakers, social scientist and medical experts have expressed alarm about the growing problem. While most agree that the issue deserves attention, consensus dissolves around how to respond and resolve the problem. Malnourishment continues to be a primary health liability in developing nations such as Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. It is globally the most significant risk factor for illness and death, predominantly with hundreds of millions of pregnant women

Redina and her family are refugees fleeing from ongoing conflict in their settlements. Unable to receive an adequate diet, they remain in a state of constant hunger, and prone to diseases. These are only a two of the effects malnutrition has on the human body. Malnutrition has been a lingering issue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) causing several issues to the economy, health and wellbeing of the country. In spite of modern technology and conveniences, there are still populations in the world that are affected by malnutrition, therefore more worldwide collaborative efforts should be made, not only between the local groups, but the cooperative effort of international communities.

This assignment will discuss a trust adapted version of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). It will demonstrate an understanding of theoretical knowledge used to develop the assessment tool. The assignment will focus on three components within the tool; discussing the reliability and validity when used in a clinical environment. A reflection of my own experience using the tool will be included and linked to aspects of reliability. Any issues with reliability will be identified and suggestions given on how they can be corrected to aid future use.

Malnutrition is a problem that is estimated to contribute to more than one third of death among children (WHO, 2014). Under nutrition is a form of malnutrition; it occurs when nutritional reserves are exhausted or nutritional intake is insufficient to satisfy daily needs or increased metabolic demands (Jarvis, 2013, p. 175). Prolonged periods in this state can lead to stunted growth which is associated with lower

In recent years, there has been research involving the causes and consequences of poor nutrition among the elderly. Researchers continually work to distinguish risk factors of inadequate nutrition; the factors of most concern are “poor appetite, functional limitations, limited income, and social isolation” (Lirette, Podovennikoff, Wismer, Tondu, Klatt, 2007). Individuals at highest risk are those who live at home with a lack of family support (Krondl, Coleman, Lau, 2008). The diets of many elderly people are often low in calories and lacking important nutrients. All of these factors can affect the health and quality of life in the older adult. Nutrition plays a significant role in the health of

Nutrition is essential for the whole being of the individual. The body needs nutrients to be healthy and fight off acute illnesses and infections. Mauk (2014) stated that “elderly clients may be at increased risk for poor nutrition due to the fact that they have multiple chronic illnesses… that can interfere with their

national institutes for health, if you are seventy or older you may have nutritional needs for either high or low calories depending on gender or state of

References Shashidhar, H. (2016, March 10). Malnutrition. Retrieved September 27, 2016, from

It has been found that of the total number of elderly Australians aged 65 years hospitalized, one third are as also malnourished. Once discharged their health often is degraded due to repercurrsions of nutrient deficient body. However the elders living in community, only ten percent were found to be malnourished.

Nutrition is an important aspect of health within all age groups. A nurse’s initial assessment is very important to a patient’s nutritional status because during an assessment, many findings can determine the nutritional status of an individual. For example, a simple examination of a patient’s overall appearance can determine whether the patient is malnourished, by evidence of decreased functional status, decreased bone mass, impaired muscle function, immune dysfunction, reduced cognitive function,

Many times, seniors fail to eat properly because they have difficulty grocery shopping or preparing meals. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, seniors need proper nutrition and a balanced diet to avoid many health complications such as a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis

The Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI) was developed in order to address the prevalence of malnutrition among older adults. This initiative represents the work of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Dietetic Association to create a coalition whose goal is to promote the integration of nutrition screening and intervention into healthcare for older adults. NSI helps to increase older adults' awareness about nutrition and health. It differentiates among adequate nutritional status, malnutrition risk and

Increased mortality rate (incidence of mortality of malnourished patients at 1 year being nearly 30% in 1 Australian study8)

in 2006 stated that nutritional demand increase in case of illness. Therefore, preserving the nutritional status of the hospitalized patients is the central feature of patient care. That is why, it is imperative to use screening tools to identify risk of malnutrition and to improve the nutrition status of patient. MUST is the screening tool that helps in assessing the risk of malnutrition in young as well as elder patients admitted in the AMU. NICE in 2006 highlighted that nutritional screening tools help in identifying the cases at early stage and resulting in decrease in length of stay in hospital.

      Physiological changes and changes in nutritional requirements are not the only cause of elderly malnutrition.  Illness and physical limitations often affect nutritional status, as 19.7% of people over age 65 have at least one disability and 28.8% reported a limitation caused by a chronic condition (9).  For