Abstract

Access to and availability of sufficient, safe, and nutritious food is a priority for quality nutrition for the health and quality of life of the elderly. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of undernutrition due to food deficit and insecurity in institutionalized elderly individuals in long-term care facilities (ELEAM) in the communes of Chillán and Chillán Viejo, Ñuble Region, Chile. This descriptive study included 63 individuals aged 65-96 residing in seven ELEAM in the communes of Chillán and Chillán Viejo that accepted to participate. Nutritional status was evaluated by Body Mass Index (IMC), mid-arm circumference (MAC), and calf perimeter (CP); and an adapted and validated Food Security Scale was applied. The information was analyzed using univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics by type of variable. The group consisted mainly of women (74.6%). The most prevalent nutritional status was deficit malnutrition (42.9%), followed by normal nutritional status (31.7%). CB showed mean values of 26.9 ± 3.5 cm in women and 26.8± 4.5 cm in men; according to CP, 39.6% presented a deficit of muscular mass. Food security and insecurity were present in 20.6% and 79.3% of the respondents, respectively. It was concluded that the elderly belonging to the ELEAMs studied presented mostly deficit malnutrition, and food insecurity, which does not contribute to the better health of the group studied.