Estado nutricional e avaliação da alimentação de idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência para idosos em João Pessoa

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the nutritional and dietary status of elderly people living in Long- Term Care Institutions for the Elderly (ILPIs) in the city of João Pessoa, PB. This is a cross- sectional study, part of the project “Caring: Holistic Food and Nutritional Care in Senescence,” approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Health Sciences Center of the Federal University of Paraíba. The research was conducted in three ILPIs that met regulatory criteria and had regular operating documents. The sample consisted of 120 institutionalized elderly, aged 60 years or older, of both sexes. Data were collected over three months using a virtual form structured via Google Forms to obtain sociodemographic, clinical, and nutritional information. Anthropometric measurements were taken, such as weight, height, circumferences, skinfolds, thumb adductor muscle thickness, and handgrip strength, as well as body composition assessment by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Dietary analysis was performed using the Qualitative Assessment of Menu Preparations (AQPC), considering criteria such as fat content, variety of colors, and the presence of sulfur-rich foods. The data were processed in SPSS software and statistically analyzed using chi-squared and multivariate tests. The results showed a high prevalence of malnutrition and sarcopenia, especially in women, in addition to an inadequate diet with a low daily intake of fruits and vegetables. There was also a high rate of polypharmacy among the residents. The results of this study indicate that the institutionalized population analyzed shows a high prevalence of NCDs, malnutrition, and sarcopenia risk, as well as a diet deficient in fruits and vegetables. It is crucial to improve the nutritional quality in ILPIs, implement continuous monitoring, and adopt strategies for the prevention and treatment of these conditions.