Family functionality and risk of malnutrition in adults aged 60 years and older

Mabel Sánchez-Villagómez, Family Medicine Residency Program, Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 65, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) Oaxaca, México
José P. Ramírez-Gómez, Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic. Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 65, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) Oaxaca, México
Octavio M. Corres-Castillo, Nursing Home for Older Adults “Los Tamayo”, Sistema Nacional de Desarrollo Integral de la Familia. Oaxaca, Oax., México
Enrique Villarreal-Ríos, Epidemiological and Health Services Research Unit, IMSS, Queretaro, Qro., México
Liliana Galicia-Rodríguez, Epidemiological and Health Services Research Unit, IMSS, Queretaro, Qro., México
Jesús Elizarrarás-Rivas, Health Research Coordination, IMSS; Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Universidad Autónoma de Oaxaca Benito Juárez. Oaxaca, Oax. Mexico

Background: Malnutrition among older adults represents a frequent and multifactorial condition with significant repercussions on overall health and quality of life. Within this context, the family assumes a pivotal role by influencing dietary habits, caregiving practices, and access to healthcare services. Assessing family functionality provides a comprehensive understanding of its potential relationship with nutritional risk in this population. Objective: To determine the association between family functionality and the risk of malnutrition among adults aged 60 years and older. Material and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in older adults aged 60 years and above. Participants were classified into two groups: those with adequate nutritional status (n = 97) and those at risk of malnutrition (n = 87). Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®), whereas family functionality was evaluated with the family adaptability, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve instrument. Statistical analysis included independent t-tests, Chi-square tests, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the ORs. Results: Family functionality was identified in 85.5% of the well-nourished group and in 12.9% of the group at risk of malnutrition (p < 0.001). The OR was 31.65 (95% CI: 13.92-71.99), indicating a strong association between family functionality and nutritional status. Conclusion: The findings provide evidence that family functionality is closely associated with the risk of malnutrition in older adults, underscoring the importance of considering family dynamics in geriatric nutritional assessment and intervention.

Keywords: Elderly nutrition. Malnutrition. Aged. Family relations.