Managing malnutrition in later life
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Managing malnutrition in later life: exploring the views and dietary practices of older people at risk of malnutrition and their carers
IRAS ID
225349
Contact name
Christina Avgerinou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, days
Research summary
Malnutrition is a serious condition that occurs when a person’s diet lacks the amount of nutrients they need. It is a common problem in older people that can lead to weight loss, weakness and tiredness. If left unchecked, it can cause older people to become underweight, and more prone to severe illness and hospitalisation. Malnutrition can go unnoticed in the early stages as it can be difficult to recognise, and General Practitioners or practice nurses may not have the time or have received training on how to deal with this condition. Currently, little is known about the dietary choices made by older people at risk of malnutrition, how it is recognised and acted upon, and how it can be improved.
Alongside this, older people may be prone to dehydration as a result of not drinking enough, loss of fluid or a combination of both. When you get older your sense of thirst can be reduced and you may not realise that you are not drinking enough. Dehydration can make you feel unwell and can lead to hospital admission if not addressed. We currently don’t know enough about older people’s views around hydration, what they do to make sure they drink enough and what support they might need.
In this study, we will interview older people who are underweight or at risk of malnutrition and friend/family carers of older people who need help to prepare their meals. We will explore the decisions they make about the food they buy and eat, their knowledge about dietary needs in later life, the advice and support they might need and the best place to seek support. We will also ask older people and their carers for their views on how primary care could support nutritional and healthy eating and drinking advice e.g. from the GP, practice nurse or health care assistant. This study will lead to further work in which we would explore ways primary care can help older people make changes to their diet in order to maintain a healthy weight and drink enough and receive all the nutrients they need.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1490
Date of REC Opinion
6 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion