OBJECTIVE: This study has been conducted to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and nutritionally-at-risk community-dwelling older adults in an urban setting through the use of Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®).

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was done among older adults in Barangay Sto. Niño, an urban poor community in Pasay City, Metro Manila to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and older adults using the short and full form of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®). Anthropometric assessment was done to determine body mass index as well as physical examination to determine presence of nutrient deficiencies.

RESULTS: Using the Asia Pacific cut-off for BMI, it can be noted that 16.5% were classified as underweight. On the other hand, results of the MNA® short form screening showed that less than half (42.6%) of the study respondents have normal nutritional status. Majority of the respondents were either malnourished (14.8%) or at risk of malnutrition (42.6%). Moreover, results of the Full MNA® form showed that almost half of the study respondents were either malnourished (8.2%) or at risk of malnutrition (39.3%). The rest of the study respondents were classified as having normal nutritional status (52.5%).

CONCLUSION: As compared to Body Mass Index, which can only identify prevalence of malnutrition, the MNA®, both short and full form, was not only able to identify malnourished and nutritionally-at-risk older adult as well as provide variables that may screen for possible causes of malnutrition. This is necessary and relevant for timely nutrition intervention for improved nutritional outcome among older adults.