The BRIGHT Trial: what are the factors associated with nutrition risk?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the nutrition risk status and factors associated with nutrition risk among older adults enrolled in the Brief Risk Identification Geriatric Health Tool (BRIGHT Trial). DESIGN: A cluster randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Three main centres in New Zealand. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3,893 older adults were recruited from 60 general practices in three of the District Health Board (DHB) regions aged 75 years and older (or 65 years and older if Maori). MEASUREMENTS: Nutrition risk was assessed using the Australian Nutrition Screening Initiative (ANSI). Validated questionnaires were used to establish quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), physical function (the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living) and depressive symptoms (15 item Geriatric Depression Scale). Demographic, standard of living and health data were established. RESULTS: Sixty two percent of participants were identified to be at moderate or high nutrition risk. The mean ANSI score was 4.9 (range 0-21, maximum 29). Factors which independently predicted moderate or high nutrition risk were female gender, being Maori and other ethnicities versus European, not being married, taking multiple medications, having more depressive symptoms, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Protective factors independently related to low nutrition risk were living with others, higher physical and social health related QOL and higher functional status. WHOQOL environmental and psychological factors were not associated with nutrition risk when other predictive factors were taken into account. CONCLUSION: Nearly two thirds of participants were identified to be at higher nutrition risk. Women, living alone, taking multiple medications, with depressive symptoms, cardiovascular disease and ndiabetes were factors associated with higher nutrition risk. Those at low nutrition risk had a better functional status and physical and social health related QOL.