Usability of the Self‐Mini Nutritional Assessment® among Older Adults Receiving Home‐delivered Meals in Texas. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moore, Britta Elizabeth; Friedman, BJ; Crixell, Sylvia Hurd
• Is Part Of: Family and consumer sciences research journal. Volume 44:Number 2(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 159
• Page End: 171
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: older adults -- elderly -- nutritional status -- screening tool; Home economics -- Periodicals; Home economics -- Research -- Periodicals; Families -- Periodicals; 640
• DOI: 10.1111/fcsr.12133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-727X

Abstract

Abstract : Self‐screening tools for nutritional risk may be used to encourage older adults at risk of malnutrition to seek out preventive care. A recently available nutritional risk self‐screening tool, the Self‐Mini Nutritional Assessment ® (Self‐MNA ® ), had not been tested among diverse groups of older adults. The initial goal of this study was to compare results of the Self‐MNA ® to those of the Mini Nutritional Assessment ® ‐Short Form among a sample of homebound older adults who were newly enrolled in a Meals on Wheels program. Results suggest that the Self‐MNA ® screening tool was not practical for this sample, as evidenced by low rates of completion. Fewer than 80% completed the front of the form on the first attempt, and only 40% recorded a final screening score on the back of the form. The screening score is needed for successful utilization of the Self‐MNA ® . To increase usability of the Self‐MNA ® among older adults, it may be necessary to modify instructions and formatting to improve clarity.