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Appendix I – PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION – Tables A1.1 to A1.8

Table A1.1

Prevalence of malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in some examples of studies reported after 2002 according to country and healthcare setting – hospital (general)

Country Author (year) Study population Patients (n) Healthcare setting (and timing of nutritional screening/assessment) Prevalence % (risk category) Method and details of risk category where reported
EUROPE
Bosnia-Herzegovina Vanis & Mesihovic (2008)1 Randomly chosen hospitalised patients 2200 Hospital (during hospital stay) 58.3
52
55.3
‘MUST’ (no further details given)
Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) (no further details given)
MNA (no further details given)
Denmark Rasmussen et al. (2004)2 > 14 years of age 590 Hospital – internal medicine, gastro and orthopaedic surgery (hospitalised patients on the specific day of investigation) 39.9 NRS-2002 but note no adjustment made for age
Denmark Kondrup et al. (2002)3 > 15 years of age 740 Hospital – university, regional & local (on admission) 22 Nutritionally at risk = score ≥ 3. Severe malnutrition = score 3 (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, recent weight loss > 5% in the last month or an intake of 0–25% of requirement). Moderate malnutrition = score 2 (BMI 18.5–20.5 kg/m2, recent weight loss > 5% in the last 2 months or an intake of 25–50% of requirement). Slight malnutrition = score 1 (recent weight loss > 5% in the last 3 months or an intake of 50–75% of requirement). Patients’ general condition and disease severity also taken into account
Germany Pirlich et al. (2006)4 > 18 years of age 1886 Hospital – community, teaching & university (on admission) 27.4 (17.6 + 9.8) SGA (moderate + severe)
Germany Pirlich et al. (2003)5 > 18 years of age 502 Hospital – university & district (on day of admission) 24.2 SGA (moderate + severe). Not reported separately
Hungary Lelovics et al. (2008)6 All adult patients 1266 Hospital – teaching (on admission) 41 (13 + 28) ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
Iceland Westergren et al. (2010)7 All adults > 18 years of age 95 (2006)
92 (2007)
Hospital (point prevalence on specified day in 2006 & 2007) 25 (2006)
17 (2007)
Nutritionally at risk defined by presence of at least 2 of: involuntary weight loss; BMI < 20 kg/m² if ≤ 69 years, BMI < 22 kg/m² if ≥ 70 years; eating difficulties according to Minimal Eating Observation Form Version II
Italy Cereda et al. (2010)8 > 18 years of age 559 Regional hospitals with >400 beds (within 36 hours of admission) 57.2 NRS-2002
Italy Lucchin et al. (2009)9 Adults aged > 18 years of age 1284 Regional hospitals with > 400 beds (within 36 hours of admission) 28.6 NRS-2002. At risk of malnutrition = score ≥ 3
The Netherlands van Vliet et al. (2020)10 Adults aged ≥18 years 584 University hospital (on admission, day 5, day 10, and ≥ day 15) 31 (at admission; stage B/C)
56 (day 5)
66 (day 10)
79 (≥ day 15)
36 (predischarge; stage B/C)
PG-SGA (Categories: A = well nourished, B = moderate/suspected malnutrition, C = severely malnourished)
Poland Dzieniszewski et al. (2005)11 Adults aged 16–100 years of age 3310 Hospital – teaching, provincial & county (first day of admission & day of discharge) 10.43 (admission), 11.21 (discharge) BMI (classification of risk of malnutrition BMI < 20 kg/m²)
Poland Ostrowska et al. (2021)12 > 6 years of age 498 Hospital (not specified) 9.4 ESPEN diagnostic criteria for malnutrition (2015).
Step 1: MST (≥ 2 indicating risk of malnutrition).
Step 2: BMI (< 18.5 kg/m² indicating malnutrition) OR unintended body weight loss (>5% within the last 3 months or >10% within an unspecified time frame) and BMI (< 20 kg/m² for subjects < 70 years and < 22 kg/m² for subjects > 70 years).
Portugal Amaral et al. (2010)13 > 18 years of age 1144 Hospital – university, district & oncology (on admission) 36 NRS-2002
Portugal Amaral et al. (2007)14 > 18 years of age 469 Hospital (on admission) 42 NRS-2002 (based on BMI, % recent weight loss, recent change in food intake and disease severity). Mild/slight: score 1, moderate: score 2, severe: score 3. For patients > 70 years of age, one point was added to the score. Patients with a total score of ≥ 3 were considered nutritionally at risk, patients with a score < 3 were not considered nutritionally at risk
Republic of Ireland Russell & Elia (2012)15 (spring 2011) Adults ≥ 18 years of age 1102 Hospital (within 72 hours of admission) 27 (7 + 20) ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
Republic of Ireland Russell & Elia (2011)16 (winter 2010) Adults ≥ 18 years of age 1602 Hospital (within 72 hours of admission) 33 (8 + 25) ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
Spain Velasco et al. (2011)17 ≥ 18 years of age 400 University hospitals (within 36 hours of admission) 34.5
31.5 (14 +17.5)
35.3 (28.5 + 6.8)
58.5 (44 + 14.5)
NRS-2002
‘MUST’ (medium + high)
SGA (suspected malnourishment + severe)
MNA (at risk + poor nutritional status)
Spain Martinez Olmos et al. (2005)18 > 18 years of age 360 Hospital (stratified random sample of hospitalised patients on specified days) 46.9 (37.2 + 9.7) SGA (moderate + severe)
Spain Planas et al. (2004)19 Adult patients 400 Hospital – university-affiliated (within 48 hours of admission) 26.7 (anthropometry)
46 (SGA)
Anthropometry (classification as undernourished:
BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 or BMI < 20 kg/m2 and TSFT or Arm Muscle Circumference < 15th centile)
SGA (moderate + severe). Not reported separately
Spain Pablo et al. (2003)20 > 18 years of age 60 Hospital – public general (within 48 hours of admission) 63.3 (36.7, 18.3 + 8.3) SGA
90 (6.7, 60 + 23.3) Nutritional Risk Index
80 (20, 15 + 45) INA
78.3 Combined Index
SGA (mild, moderate + severe)

NRI: 1.519 x serum albumin (g/l) + 41.7 x (present/usual weight)) (mild: NRI 97.5–100, moderate: NRI 83.5 to < 97.5, severe: NRI < 83.5 Instant Nutritional Assessment (INA) 1st degree: serum albumin ≥ 3.5 g/dl; blood lymphocyte count < 1500 cells/mm3, 2nd degree: serum albumin < 3.5 g/dl; blood lymphocyte count < 1500 cells/mm3, 3rd degree: serum albumin < 3.5 g/dl; blood lymphocyte count ≥ 1500 cells/mm3, 4th degree serum albumin < 3.5 g/dl; blood lymphocyte count < 1500 cells/mm3

Sweden Westergren et al. (2009)21 >18 years of age 1197
824
370
Large hospitals > 500 beds
Medium hospitals 200–500 beds
Small hospitals < 200 beds (point prevalence, data collected on hospitalised patients on a single day)
34 (26.4 + 7.6)
26.2 (21.1 + 5.1)
21.6 (17.7 + 3.9)
Moderate/high risk of under-nutrition defined as the occurrence of at least two of: involuntary weight loss, BMI below limit (BMI < 20 kg/m2 if ≤ 69 years, BMI < 22 kg/m2 if ≥ 70 years), eating difficulties according to Minimal Eating Observation Form – Version II
Sweden Westergren et al. (2008)22 All patients 874 Hospitals (hospitalised patients, timing not specified) 27 At risk of under-nutrition if 2–3 of the following 3 criteria fulfilled: (1) involuntary weight loss (irrespective of time and amount), (2) BMI below limit (< 20 kg/m2 if ≤ 69 years, < 22 kg/m2 if ≥ 70 years), and (3) presence of eating difficulties. Low risk: 1 criterion fulfilled, moderate risk: 2 criteria fulfilled, high risk: 3 criteria fulfilled. Not reported separately
Switzerland Imoberdorf et al. (2010)23 All adult medical admissions 32837 Hospital (on day of admission) 18.2 (range 13–20% across 7 participating hospitals) NRS-2002. Severe under-nutrition or high risk for developing under-nutrition: score ≥ 3
Switzerland Venzin et al. (2009)24 All medical admissions 430 Hospital – medium- sized general teaching (MNA within 24 hours of admission, physician’s assessment on admission) 30.5 (20.1 + 10.4)
14
MNA. At risk of malnutrition: score of 17–23.5, frank malnutrition score of < 17
Physician’s assessment (judgement based on patient history, physical examination and laboratory results)
Switzerland Kyle et al. (2006)25 All adult medical/surgical admissions 995 Hospital (on hospital admission) 39 (29 + 10)

37 (10 +27)

28 (19 + 9)

25 (20 + 5)

SGA (moderate + severe)
MUST (medium + high)
NRS-2002 (medium + high risk)
NRI (medium + high risk) (1.519 x serum albumin g/l) = (14.7 x present/usual body weight [BW]). NRI score > 100 indicates no risk, 97.5–100 low risk, 83.5–97.5 medium risk, ≤ 83.5 high risk
Switzerland Kyle et al. (2002)26 All adult medical/surgical admissions 995 Hospital (within 3 hours of admission) 61.4 (38.3 + 23.1) SGA (moderate + severe)
The Netherlands Meijers et al. (2009)27 ≥ 18 years of age 8028 Hospital (cross-sectional, point prevalence on specified day) 23.8 Malnutrition defined according to one of the 3 following criteria: (1) BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (2) unintentional weight loss(6 kg in previous 6 months or 3 kg in the previous month) or (3) BMI 18.5–20 kg/m2 in combination with no nutritional intake for 3 days or reduced intake for > 10 days
The Netherlands Bavelaar et al. (2008)28 All newly admitted patients 395 Hospital general medical wards (within 72 hours of admission) 31.9 (31.1 + 0.8) BMI and/or SNAQ score (severe: BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 and/or SNAQ score ≥ 3 points + moderate: BMI 18.5–20.0 kg/m2 and/or SNAQ score ≥ 2 points)
The Netherlands Kruizenga et al. (2003)29 > 18 years of age 6150 Hospital (convenience sample, timing not clear) 26 (13 + 13) Involuntary weight loss (at risk: 5–10% unintentional weight loss during the past 6 months + malnourished: unintentional weight loss > 10% during the past 6 months)
Turkey Nursal et al. (2005)30 All adult patients admitted to wards 2211 University referral centre (within 48 hours of admission) 11
15.6
SGA (moderate + severe). Not reported separately
Combination criteria: diagnosed with malnutrition if positive for at least 2 of the following 6 criteria: (1) > 10% weight loss during the past 6 months; (2) BMI < 20 kg/m2; (3) TSFT no higher than the 5th centile; (4) MAMC no higher than the 5th centile; (5) serum albumin level < 3 g/dl; and (6) serum prealbumin level < 0.2 g/dl
UK Lamb et al. (2009)31 Adult inpatients ≥ 16 years of age 328
226
Hospital – general medicine, general surgery, orthopaedics and critical care (all patients assessed on a single day) 43.9 (11.9 + 32)
32.7 (19 + 13.7)
‘MUST’ (medium + high)
Northumbria Nutrition Score Chart (NNSC) validated for reproducibility and ease of use only. Patients scored according to psychological state, BMI, weight loss, ability to swallow, and co-morbid medical illness. Low risk of malnutrition: 0-3, moderate risk: 4–5, high risk: ≥ 6
UK Russell & Elia (2012)15 (spring 2011) Adults ≥ 18 years of age 7541 Hospital (within 72 hours of admission) 25 (7 + 18) ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
UK Russell & Elia (2011)16 (winter 2010) Adults ≥ 18 years of age 9669 Hospital (within 72 hours of admission) 34 (14 + 21) ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
UK Russell & Elia (2009)32 (summer 2008) Adults ≥ 18 years of age 5089 Hospital (within 72 hours of admission) 28 (6 + 22) ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
UK Russell & Elia (2008)33 (autumn 2007) Adults ≥ 18 years of age 9336 Hospital (within 72 hours of admission) 28 (6 + 22) ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
USA & CANADA
Canada Singh et al. (2006)34 Adults ≥ 20 years of age 48 Hospital – medical admission/teaching unit (within 10 days of admission) 69 (39 + 30) SGA (moderate + severe)
USA Robinson et al. (2003)35 ≥ 18 years of age 320 Hospital – tertiary (blood taken within 48 hours of admission & nurse screening within 24 hours of admission) 51
33
Plasma prealbumin concentration
Standard hospital nutrition screening/assessment protocol (nursing screening questionnaire regarding nutritional status and nutritional intake). If any positive responses, a dietitian informed and perform a formal nutrition assessment within 48 hours
USA Liang et al. (2008)36 Adults 18–80 years of age 200 Hospitals – teaching, Baltimore, USA (newly admitted + 2 weeks post admission or discharge) 51 (admission)
41.4 (discharge or 2 weeks post discharge)
NRS-2002
USA Sauer et al. (2019)37 ≥ 18 years of age 9959 Hospital (not specified) 32.7 MST
CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
Argentina Wyszynski et al. (2003)38 Adults > 18 years of age 997 Hospital (not specified June- November 1999) 47.3 (36.1 + 11.2) SGA (moderate + severe)
Brazil Leandro-Merhi et al. (2011)39 Adults 20-60 years of age 230 Hospital – surgical wards (preoperatively) 20.1 (19.3 + 0.8) SGA (slightly malnourished + moderately malnourished)
Brazil Correia & Campos (2003)40 Adults > 18 years of age 9348 Hospitals – general and at least 200 beds 50.2 (39.0 + 11.2) SGA (moderate + severe)
Cuba Barreto Penié (2005)41 Adults > 19 years of age 1905 Hospitals – secondary & tertiary (not specified) 41.2 (30.1 + 11.1) SGA (moderate + severe)
Colombia Cardenas et al. (2020)42 ≥ 18 years of age 7994 Hospital (not specified) 38 MST
ASIA
China Liang et al. (2008)36 Adults 18–80 years of age 300 Hospitals – teaching (newly admitted and 2 weeks post admission or discharge) 39 (admission), 38.5 (discharge or 2 weeks post admission) NRS-2002
China Zhou et al. (2024)43 ≥ 18 years of age 5821 Hospital (not specified) 22.8 GLIM criteria
Singapore Lim et al. (2011)44 Adults 18–74 years of age 818 Acute tertiary hospital (within 48 hours of admission) 29 (25+4) SGA (moderate + severe)
Singapore Raja et al. (2004)45 Adults 715 (admission episodes)
681 (patient episodes)
152 (cases)
Hospitals – medical & surgical wards(within 72 hours of admission by dietitian using MST) 14.7
22.3
69.1 (37.5+31.6)
Those episodes identified as at risk of malnutrition/malnourished by both MST and SGA Initial assessment by dietitians using Ferguson, Bauer, Banks & Capra MST. MST is a questionnaire developed and validated in an Australian hospital. Patients are scored based on the following criteria: recent weight loss; if yes, how much; eating poorly due to decreased appetite? Score ≥ 2 classified as at risk of malnutrition SGA (moderate + severe)
Vietnam Pham et al. (2006)46 Abdominal surgery patients 438 total of which major surgery 274 Hospital – general (not specified) 55.7 (28.8+26.9)
77.7 (35.4+42.3)
SGA (moderate + severe)
SGA (moderate + severe)
MIDDLE EAST
Iran Hosseini et al. (2006)47 ≥ 18 years of age 156 Hospital > 400 beds (within 24 hours of admission + on discharge) 5.8 (admission)
10.9 (discharge)
0.6 (admission)
1.3 (discharge)
BMI severely undernourished < 16 kg/m2
BMI undernourished < 18.5 kg/m2
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Australia & New Zealand Agarwal et al. (2012)48 ≥ 18 years of age 3080 Acute care hospitals (data collected over 1–3 24-hour periods during June & July 2010) 32
30 (24 + 6)
8
41
Combined SGA + BMI
SGA (suspected/moderate + severe)
BMI < 18 kg/m². Malnutrition risk (MST).
Australia Thomas et al. (2007)49 > 18 years of age 64 Hospital Acute Admissions Unit (within 48h of admission) 53 (43.8 + 9.4) Patient Generated-SGA (PG-SGA) (moderately malnourished + severely malnourished). An extension of SGA, with a higher numerical score reflecting a greater risk of deterioration of nutritional status. PG-SGA global rating can identify malnutrition, and the score is used to assess subtle changes in nutritional status/nutritional risk that cannot be detected by SGA. (No further details given)
Australia Lazarus & Hamlyn (2005)50 ≥ 18 years of age 324 Hospital: not-for-profit private (August-October 1999) 42.3 (36.4 + 5.9) SGA (moderate + severe)
Australia Banks et al. (2007)51 All available subjects (excluding paediatric, obstetric, mental health and same-day patients) 774
1434
Hospitals (a single day for each facility 2002 + 2003) 34.7 (27.8 + 7.0)
31.4 (26.1 + 5.3)
Mean MNA (moderate + severe)
Mean MNA (moderate + severe)
Table A1.2

Prevalence of malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in some examples of studies reported after 2002 according to country and healthcare setting – hospital (older people)

Country Author (year) Study population Patients (n) Healthcare setting (and timing) Prevalence % (risk category) Method and details
EUROPE
Austria Eglseer et al. (2020)52 65–79 and ≥80 years of age 3702 65–79 years (n = 2320) ≥80 years (n = 1382) Hospital (not specified) Overall: 24.3, 65–79 years: 25.2, ≥80 years: 22.7 ‘MUST’ (at risk)
Belgium Vanderwee et al. (2011)53 ≥ 75 years of age 2094 Hospital – geriatric wards (cross-sectional, 16th May–15th Jun 2007) 31.9 (range 0–90.9% across participating wards) MNA-SF
Germany Volkert et al. (2010)54 ≥ 75 years of age 205 Community hospital – geriatric ward (first day after admission) 25.4 60 (34.6+ 25.4) 90.2 (60.0 + 30.2) 5.9 BMI (undernourished <22 kg/m²). SGA (moderate + severe). MNA (at risk + undernourished). Clinical judgement of physician.
Italy Orsitto et al. (2009)55 > 65 years of age 588 Hospital – geriatric ward (on admission) 82 (58 + 24) MNA (at risk + malnourished)
Italy Bonetti et al. (2017)56 ≥ 65 years of age 1066 Hospital – medical and surgical wards (not specified) 70.1 (48.7 +21.4) MNA (at risk + malnourished)
Norway Söderhamn et al. (2011)57 > 65 years of age 153, 154, 153, 158 Hospital – medical wards (during first days on ward) 60.8 (43.8 + 17) 64.9 44.4 62 (29.1 + 32.9) MNA (at risk + undernourished)MNA-SF (at risk)NRS-2002 (at risk)Nutritional Form for the Elderly (Norwegian) (NUFFE-NO) (≥ 6 indicating medium risk of under-nutrition + ≥ 11 indicating high risk of under-nutrition). Ordinal scale containing 15 3-point items: weight loss, changes in dietary intake, appetite, intake of prepared food, portion size, intake of fruit and veg, possibility of obtaining food products, company at meals, activity, dental and swallowing difficulties, fluid intake, GI problems, eating assistance, number of drugs, difficulties in eating because of impaired health
Portugal Cansado et al. (2009)58 ≥ 65 years of age 341 Hospital – surgery (within 48h of admission, 24h of discharge)  93.3 (0.0 + 93.3) admission
61.5 (8.2 + 53.3) discharge
‘MUST’ (medium + high)
77.9 (26.6 + 51.3) admission
77.1 (33.7 + 43.4) discharge
MNA (at risk + undernourished)
190 Hospital – medicine (within 48h of admission, 24h of discharge)  92.6 (0.0 + 92.6) admission
50.9 (15.2 + 35.7) discharge
‘MUST’ (medium + high)
91.5 (48.9 + 42.6) admission
95.7 (44.7 + 51.0) discharge
MNA (at risk + undernourished)
Republic of Ireland Russell & Elia (2012)15 Adults ≥ 65 years Total study population n = 1262, of which 51% aged ≥ 65 years. (‘MUST’ data only available for n = 1102) Hospital (within 72h of admission) 28 ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
Republic of Ireland Russell & Elia (2011)16 Adults ≥ 65 years Total study population n = 1636, of which 48% aged ≥ 65 years. (‘MUST’ data only available for n = 1602) Hospital (within 72h of admission) 34 ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
Republic of Ireland O’shea et al. (2017)59 ≥70 years of age 606 Hospital (within 36h of admission) 63 (45+18) MNA-SF (at-risk + malnourished)
Spain de Luis et al. (2011)60 > 65 years of age 493 Hospital (not specified) 72.1 (49.6+22.5) MNA (at risk + undernourished)
Spain de Luis & Lopez Guzman (2006)61 > 70 years of age 213 Hospital internal medicine departments (randomly selected hospitalised patients) 74.1 (23.9+50.2) MNA (malnourished: score < 17 points + at risk: score 17–23.5)
Switzerland Drescher et al. (2010)62 78–89 years of age 104 Hospital – geriatric ward (within 3 days of admission) 70(48+22) 34 MNA (at risk + undernourished) NRS-2002
Switzerland Imoberdorf et al. (2010)23 Adults Total study population n = 32,837, no details of number of patients aged > 65 years available Hospital – general medical departments 65–84 years of age > 85 years of age (day of admission) 22 28 NRS-2002 NRS-2002 Patients ≥ 70 years were given an additional score point
UK Russell & Elia (2012)15(winter 2011) Adults ≥ 65 years of age Total study population n = 9132, of which 56% aged ≥ 65 years. (‘MUST’ data only available for n = 7541) Hospital (within 72h of admission) 28 ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
UK Russell & Elia (2011)16 (winter 2010) Adults ≥ 65 years Total study population n = 9932, of which 59% aged ≥ 65 years. (‘MUST’ data only available for n = 9669) Hospital (within 72h of admission) 39 ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
UK Russell & Elia (2009)32 (summer 2008) Adults ≥ 65 years Total study population n = 6068, of which 52% aged ≥ 65 years. (‘MUST’ data only available for n = 5089) Hospital (within 72h of admission) 32 ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
UK Russell & Elia (2008)33 (autumn 2007) Adults ≥ 65 years Total study population n = 9563, of which 55% aged ≥ 65 years. (‘MUST’ data only available for n = 9208) Hospital (within 72h of admission) 30 ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
UK Stratton et al. (2006)63 Acutely ill older people 150 Hospital elderly care wards (within 48-72 hours of admission) 58 (17+41) ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
UK Han et al. (2021)64 Patients admitted with a hip fracture; ≥60 years of age 1239 Hospital (on admission) 24.1 (at risk of malnourished), 8.1 (malnourished) ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
USA & CANADA
USA Covinsky et al. (1999)65 > 70 years of age 369 Hospital – general medical unit (between 2nd & 4th day after discharge) 40.7 (24.4+16.3) SGA (moderate + severe)
CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
Brazil Leandro-Merhi et al. (2011)39 ≥ 60 years of age 120 Hospital – surgical wards (preoperatively) 43.9 (32.9+11.0) MNA (at risk + malnourished)
Brazil Coelho et al. (2006)66 ≥ 60 years of age 192 Hospital – geriatric unit (between October 2004 & March 2005) 29.7
54.7
BMI (WHO classification underweight < 18.5 kg/m2) BMI (Nutrition Screening Initiatives classification underweight < 22 kg/m2)
ASIA
China Lei et al. (2009)67 > 60 years of age 184 Hospital (within 5 days of admission) 72.8 (53.2+19.6) MNA (at risk + malnourished)
China Shum et al. (2005)68 ≥ 60 years of age 77
120
Convalescent & rehabilitation hospital – geriatric wards (within 48 hours of admission) 61.1 (44.2+16.9)
16.7
Chinese MNA (at risk: 18.5–23.5 + malnourished: score < 18.5) (no further details given) BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 and albumin level of < 35g/l: at risk
China Woo et al. (2005)69 ≥ 65 years of age 867 Hospitals & nursing homes (not specified) 36 (25.8+10.1) Chinese Nutrition Screening (CNS) (at risk + malnourished). A questionnaire based on MNA, specifically orientated to Chinese elderly in hospitals and nursing homes. 16 questions regarding lifestyle, health and dietary care tailored to suit Chinese healthcare system, diet, culture and customs. It omits anthropometry and has a maximum score of 32. The higher the score, the better the nutrition status. Further detail unavailable
China Zhang et al. (2020)70 ≥ 65 years of age 182 Hospital (not specified) 80.2 (27.5+52.7) MNA (at risk + malnourished)
India Karmakar et al. (2010)71 > 60 years of age 76 Hospital – tertiary, inpatients and outpatients (not specified) 27.6 (of which 61.9) 42.1 (of which 57.1) BMI undernourished < 18.5 kg/m2 (severely dernourished < 16 kg/m2) IBW undernourished < 85% (severely undernourished < 70%)
MIDDLE EAST
Israel German et al. (2008)72 ≥ 65 years of age 195 Hospital (within 24 hours of admission) 39 MNA (no further details given)
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Australia Vivanti et al. (2011)73 Older people 194 Hospital – geriatric assessment and rehabilitation unit (within 72 hours of admission) 39 (35.1+3.6) SGA (moderate + severe)
Australia Adams et al. (2008)74 ≥ 70 years of age 100 Hospital – tertiary (within 24–48 hours of admission) 91 (61+30) MNA (at risk + malnourished)
Table A1.3

Prevalence of malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in some examples of studies reported after 2002 according to country and healthcare setting – outpatients

Country Author (year) Study population Patients (n) Healthcare setting † Prevalence % (risk category) Method and details of risk category where reported
EUROPE
Italy Bozzetti (2009)75 Adults with cancer 1000 Outpatients 33.8, 39.7 NRS-2002 (score ≥ 3 = malnourished). Significant weight loss (≥ 10%)
The Netherlands Leistra et al. (2009)76 > 18 years of age 2288 General outpatient departments in 9 hospitals 7.1 (2 + 5.1) Wide variation depending on type of department Moderate malnutrition = BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2 with 5–10% unintentional weight loss in the last 6 months. Severe malnutrition = one or more of the following present: BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 and/or intentional weight loss of > 5% in the last 1 month or > 10% in the last 6 months
The Netherlands Neelemaat et al. (2008)77 Adults aged > 18 years 705, 979 General outpatients, Preoperative outpatients 12 (7 + 5), 17 (9 + 8) SNAQ. 3 questions: ‘Did you lose weight unintentionally (> 6 kg in the last 6 months and/or > 3 kg in the last 1 month)? Did you use supplemental drinks or tube feeding over the last month? Did you experience difficulties when eating and drinking over the last month? (moderate = score of ≥ 2 and severe = score of ≥ 3)
The Netherlands Vermeeren et al. (2006)78 Adults aged 40–75 years with COPD 389 Outpatients in 39 centres 27 Nutritional depletion defined as BMI ≤ 21 kg/m2 and or Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI) ≤ 15 kg/m2 (females) or ≤ 16 kg/m2 (males)
Turkey Ozer et al. (2022)79 Older people aged ≥ 60 years 252 Outpatients 32.212.713.1 GLIM criteriaMNA-LFMNA-SF
Turkey Halil (2009)80 Older people aged ≥ 65 years 2327 Geriatric medicine outpatient clinic 28 MNA-SF. Malnutrition risk = MNA ≤11 points
UK Collins et al. (2010)81 Adults with COPD 425 Outpatients (overall) Mild disease, Moderate disease, Severe disease 21 (7 + 14)131226 ‘MUST’ (medium + high risk)
UK Rust et al. (2010)82 Adults 321 General hospital outpatients 15.9 (10.9 + 5) ‘MUST’ (medium + high risk)
UK Renshaw et al. (2008)83 Adults with cancer 207 Medical oncology outpatients 83 (upper GI)76 (lung/ mesothelioma)73 (gynaecological)60 (breast)

50 (colorectal)

45 (urological)

Nutritional risk determined using local trust validated Nutrition Screening Tool (includes questions on unintentional weight loss, appetite reduction in previous 3–6 months, height, usual and current weight and BMI). Details of validation not given
UK Stratton et al. (2004)84 Adults 50 Gastroenterology outpatients 30 (18 + 12) ‘MUST’ (medium + high risk)
UK Sze et al. (2019)85 Adults with chronic heart failure 1058 Community clinic 14 Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index

†Timing not specified in studies; assume on attendance during the period of the study

Table A1.4

Prevalence of malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in some examples of studies reported after 2002 according to country and healthcare setting – care homes (majority of participants were older people)

Country Author (year) Study population Patients (n) Healthcare setting (and timing of nutritional screening/assessment) Prevalence % (risk category) Method and details of risk category where reported
EUROPE
Austria van Nie-Visser et al. (2009)86 Residents of care homes (age not reported) 221 Care homes (on admission) 28 Malnutrition prevalence measured by assessing BMI, undesired weight loss and nutritional intake (no further details given)
Belgium Vandewoude et al. (2018)87 ≥ 70 years of age 3299 Community dwelling and nursing homes 124463 MNA-SF (malnourished score < 8)
MNA-SF (at risk score 8–11).
Malnutrition (including risk of) observed in nursing homes alone
Denmark Beck & Ovesen (2002)88 > 65 years of age 180 Nursing homes (not specified) 33 (22) BMI < 20 kg/m2 (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2)
Finland Suominen et al. (2009)89 Older people 1043 Long-term elderly care facilities (all patients during 2 weeks in September 2003) 97.4 (40.7+56.7), 15.2 At risk MNA 17–23.5 points, malnourished MNA < 17 points. Nurse assessment using BMI
France Bourdel-Marchasson et al. (2009)90 Older people 517 Nursing Homes† (random sample of 15 residents from each home at the time of the interview visit) 54.9 (13.1) At risk MNA-SF score ≤ 11 (of whom malnourished MNA score < 17)
France Bourdel-Marchasson et al. (2009)90 Older people 84 Long-term care homes† (random sample of 15 residents from each home at the time of the interview visit) 90.4 (42.9) At risk MNA-SF score ≤ 11 (of whom malnourished MNA score < 17)
Germany Volkert et al. (2011)91 > 65 years of age 350 Nursing home (not specified) 79.6 (52.9+26.7) MNA ( at risk + malnourished )
Germany Smoliner et al. (2009)92 Older people 114 Nursing home (not specified) 80.7 (57.9+22.8) At risk MNA 17–23.5 points, malnourished < 17 points
Germany van Nie-Visser et al. (2009)86 Residents of care homes (age not reported) 2444 Care homes (on admission) 26 Malnutrition prevalence measured by assessing BMI, undesired weight loss and nutritional intake (no further details given)
Germany & Austria Valentini et al. (2009)93 > 50 years age 2137 Nursing homes (one-day cross- sectional audit on 22nd February 2007) 16.7 (13.9)9.2 (14.3) Malnourished : BMI < 20 kg/m2 (at risk of malnutrition : BMI 20–21.9 kg/m2)Subjectively assessed by staff. (Malnourished (at risk of malnutrition)
Germany Norman et al. (2007)94 Age range 79.1–91.4 years 112 Nursing home (not specified) 80.3 (71.4+8.9) MNA ( at risk + malnourished )
Hungary Lelovics et al. (2009)95 Older people > 60 years 1381 Nursing homes (unclear) 38.1 (8.0+30.1) ‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
Italy Santomauro et al. (2011)96 ≥ 65 years of age 463 Nursing homes 80.8 (58.3+22.5) MNA ( at risk + malnourished )
Italy Cereda et al. (2009)97 Older people 241 Long-term care for older people (not specified) 51.8 (39+12.8)56.8 (36.1+20.7) At risk MNA 17–23.5 points, malnourished < 17 points.GNRI moderate risk : GNRI 92–98, high risk : GNRI < 92
Italy Pezzana et al. (2009)98 Older people 738 Nursing homes (not specified) 78 MNA-SF (no further details given)
Portugal Madeira et al. (2019)99 ≥ 65 years of age 1186 Nursing homes 43.5 (38.7+4.8) MNA ( at risk + malnourished )
Republic of Ireland Russell & Elia (2012)15 spring (2011) > 18 years of age* 29 (Note: only 6 homes took part) Care homes (overall). Nursing homes only. Residential homes only. Other homes (restricted to adults admitted within the previous 6 months) 21 (7+14)**25020 ‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
Republic of Ireland Russell & Elia (2011)16 (winter 2010) > 18 years of age* 153 Care homes (overall). Nursing homes only. Residential homes only. Other homes (restricted to adults admitted within the 32 (16 + 16)** (= 143) 39

32

‘MUST’ (medium + high) 
previous 6 months) 32 (16+16), 34 , 9 , 32 ‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
Spain Ruiz-Lopez et al. (2003)100 Women aged 72–98 years 89 Nursing homes – private 69.7 (61.8+7.9) MNA ( at risk + malnourished )
Sweden Westergren et al. (2008)22 All residents* 1726 Special accommodation –nursing home-type setting (not specified) 27 At risk of under-nutrition if 2–3 of the following 3 criteria fulfilled: (1) involuntary weight loss (irrespective of time and amount), (2) BMI below limit (< 20 kg/m2 if ≤ 69 years, < 22 kg/m2 if ≥ 70 years), and (3) the presence of eating difficulties. Low risk: 1 criterion fulfilled, moderate risk: 2 criteria fulfilled, high risk: 3 criteria fulfilled. Not reported separately
The Netherlands Meijers et al. (2009)27 ≥ 18 years of age* 2061 Nursing homes (cross-sectional, point prevalence on specified days) 19.2 Malnutrition defined according to one of the 3 following criteria: (1) BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (2) unintentional weight loss (6 kg in previous 6 months or 3 kg in previous month) or (3) BMI 18.5–20 kg/m2 in combination with no nutritional intake for 3 days or reduced intake for > 10 days
The Netherlands van Nie-Visser et al. (2009)86 Residents of care homes (age not reported) 583 Care homes (on admission) 27 Malnutrition prevalence measured by assessing BMI, undesired weight loss and nutritional intake (no further details given)
The Netherlands Kruizenga et al. (2003)29 > 18 years of age* 808 Nursing homes (convenience sample, timing not clear) 18 (12+6) At risk of malnutrition: 5–10% unintentional weight loss during the past 6 months, malnourished: unintentional weight loss > 10% during the past 6 months
The Netherlands Everink et al. (2021)101 Residents of nursing homes (age not reported) ) 14317 Nursing homes (secondary analysis of the International Prevalence Measurement of Care Quality study) 16.7 Criteria to assess malnutrition:
ESPEN definition. A person suffers from malnutrition if:

  • BMI <18 kg/m2 for people <65 years of age, and, BMI <20 kg/m2 for people ≥65 years of age, or;
  • >5% weight loss in the last month, or;
  • >10% weight loss in the last 6 months
Turkey Basibüyük et al. (2019)102 > 60 years of age 773 Nursing homes (residing at nursing homes for at least six months) 45.4 (37+8.4) MNA-SF ( at risk + malnourished )
UK Parsons et al. (2010)103 Residents of care homes* 1176 Care homes – overall (not specified) 39 (14+25) ‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
UK Parsons et al. (2009)104 Residents of care homes* 1176 Nursing homes, Residential homes (cross-sectional survey) 40 , 36 ‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
UK Russell & Elia (2012)15 Adults ≥ 18 years of age* 523 Care homes (overall) Nursing homes only Elderly mentally ill homes only Residential homes only Other homes (restricted to adults admitted within the previous 6 months) 41 (16+25)**464041

39

‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
UK Russell & Elia (2011)16 Adults ≥ 18 years of age* 821 Care homes (overall) Nursing homes only Elderly mentally ill homes only Residential homes only Other homes (n = 815) (restricted to adults admitted within the previous 6 months) 37 (15+23)**452630

36

‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
UK Russell & Elia (2009)32 > 18 years of age* 614 Care homes (overall) Nursing homes only Elderly mentally ill homes only Residential homes only Other homes (n = 581) (restricted to adults admitted within the previous 6 months) 42 (11+30)**465936

43

‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
UK Russell & Elia (2008)33 > 18 years of age* 1610 Care homes (overall) Nursing homes only Residential homes only Other homes (restricted to adults admitted within the previous 6 months) 30 (10+20)352232 ‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
UK Elia & Stratton (2005)105 > 65 years of age 202 Institution (secondary analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey) 20.8 (8.9+11.9) ‘MUST’ type criteria applied, i.e. a score of current weight status added to the weight loss score ( medium + high )
ASIA
China Woo et al. (2005)69 ≥ 65 years of age 867 Nursing homes & hospitals (not specified) 36 (25.8+10.1) CNS ( at risk + malnourished ). A questionnaire based on MNA, specifically orientated to Chinese elderly in nursing homes and hospitals. 16 questions regarding lifestyle, health and dietary care tailored to suit Chinese health care system, diet, culture and customs. It omits anthropometry and has a maximum score of 32. The higher the score, the better the nutrition status. Further details unavailable
Singapore Chan et al. (2010)106 Older people 154 Nursing homes – voluntary welfare (not specified) 529739 BMI – underweight < 18.5 kg/m²MNA-SF ( at risk )MNA ( malnourished score < 17)
Taiwan Chang & Roberts (2011)107 ≥ 60 years of age with dementia 83 Nursing homes >15 residents with dementia (not specified) 90.419 MNA-SFBMI (<18.5 kg/m²)
MIDDLE EAST
Saudi Arabia Alhamdan (2004)108 Adult males < 60 years of age. Elderly males ≥ 60 years of age 39, 45 Nursing homes (not specified) 12.811.1 BMI – underweight <18.5 kg/m²
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Australia Grieger et al. (2009)109 Aged care residents 74 High-level care nursing homes & low-level care hostels 53 (37+16) MNA ( at risk + malnourished )
Australia Gaskill et al. (2008)110 Older people 346 Residential aged care facilities (6-week period, late 2005) 49.5 (43.1 + 6.4) (range 72.1–31.8% across 8 facilities) SGA ( moderate + severe )
Australia Banks et al. (2007)51 Older people 381 (2002), 458 (2003) Residential aged care facilities (a single day for each facility 2002 + 2003) 50.0 (41.6+8.4)49.2 (41.6+8.4) Median MNA ( moderate + severe )Median MNA ( moderate + severe )

†In France, long-term care homes receive older people with functional impairment and severe disease requiring continuous medical care; in contrast, nursing homes do not provide continuous presence of nurses
*Participants’ age in years mean (±SD): special accommodation 85.4 (±7.7),22 nursing homes 80.3 (±10.0),27 nursing homes well-nourished 80 (±11), at risk 81 (±11), malnourished 83 (±9),29 care homes 86.5 (±8.7),103;104 UK care homes 83.3 (±9.5),32 84.2 (±8.4),33 83.1 (±9.7),16 80.4 (±11.8)15. Republic of Ireland care homes 80.8 (±9.3),16 83.5 (±7.0)15
** Figures rounded to the nearest 1%

Table A1.5

Prevalence of malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in some examples of studies reported after 2002 according to country and healthcare setting – sheltered accommodation (majority of participants were older people)

Country Author (year) Study population Patients (n) Healthcare setting (and timing of nutritional screening/assessment) Prevalence % (risk category) Method and details of risk category where reported
EUROPE
Finland Vikstedt et al. (2011)111 > 60 years of age 375 Serviced housing (not specified) 86 (21 + 65) MNA
Sweden Odlund Olin et al. (2008)112 Frail older people 49 Serviced flats (before and after intervention with additional meal) 90 (27 + 63) (baseline) MNA (malnourished: score < 17 + at risk of malnutrition score: 17–23.5)
Sweden Ödlund Olin et al. (2005)113 Elderly 68– 96 years of age 80 Serviced flats (not specified) 89 (59 + 30) MNA (at risk + malnourished)
UK Ralph et al. (2010)114 Individuals in sheltered housing* 1353 Sheltered housing schemes (overall) > 80 years of age < 80 years of age (individuals screened during invited coffee mornings over 6-month period) 12 (7 + 5)
14
9
‘MUST’ (medium + high)
UK Elia & Russell (2009)115 Older people 335 Sheltered accommodation (not specified) 14 (5 + 9) ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
UK Harris et al. (2007)116 > 65 years of age 100 Sheltered accommodation (not specified) 10
12
17
Dietitian assessment ‘MUST’ (medium + high risk). Not reported separately MNA (screening score < 12)
Table A1.6

Prevalence of malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in some examples of studies reported after 2002 according to country and healthcare setting – free-living (majority of participants were older people)

Country Author (year) Study population Patients (n) Healthcare setting (and timing of nutritional screening/assessment) Prevalence % (risk category) Method and details of risk category where reported
EUROPE
Denmark Beck & Ovesen (2002)88 > 65 years of age 200 Home care districts (not specified) 30 (12) BMI <20 kg/m² (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²)
France Sánchez-Rodríguez et al. (2019)117 ≥ 75 years of age 179 Community-dwelling (not specified) 7.3 ESPEN diagnostic criteria for malnutrition (2015).
Step 1: identification of subjects at nutritional risk
Step 2: BMI (< 18.5 kg/m² indicating malnutrition) OR unintended body weight loss (>5% within the last 3 months or >10% within an unspecified time frame) combined with BMI (< 20 kg/m² for subjects < 70 years and < 22 kg/m² for subjects > 70 years) or fat-free mass index (FFMI) (<17 kg/ m² in men and <15 kg/ m² in women).
Republic of Ireland O’Dwyer et al. (2009)118 Older people 63 Meals on wheels recipients (not specified) 36.5 (27+9.5) At risk MNA 17–23.5, malnourished MNA < 17
Sardinia Buffa et al. (2010)119 ≥ 70 years of age** 170 Free-living (not specified, in 2005) 37.1 (35.9+1.2) MNA ( at risk + malnourished )
Spain de la Montana & Miguez (2011)120 > 65 years of age 728 Home-living 59 (46.7+12.4)
70.1 (57.6+12.5)
MNA-SF ( at risk + malnourished )
MNA ( at risk + malnourished )
Spain Rodríguez-Sánchez et al. (2020)121 ≥ 65 years of age 1660 Institutionalised (2%) or community-dwelling (98%) 27.6 (15+12.6) GLIM criteria (at risk + malnourished)
Spain Cuervo et al. (2008)122 > 65 years of age 22007 Community-dwelling (cross-sectional survey) 29.7 (25.4+4.3) At risk MNA ≥ 17 to ≤ 23.5, malnourished MNA < 17
Sweden Johansson et al. (2009)123 Older people 579 Home-living Baseline
At follow-up 1–4 (between 2001 & 2006 (prospective study, assessed at baseline & follow-up as above)
14.5
7.6–16.2
At risk MNA 17–23.5, malnourished MNA < 17
The Netherlands Meijers et al. (2009)27 ≥ 18 years of age* 2794 Home care (cross-sectional, point prevalence) 21.7 Malnutrition defined according to one of the 3 following criteria: (1) BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (2) unintentional weight loss (6 kg in previous 6 months or 3 kg in previous month) or (3) BMI 18.5–20 kg/m2 in combination with no nutritional intake for 3 days or reduced intake for > 10 days
The Netherlands Kruizenga et al. (2003)29 > 18 years of age* 533 Home care (convenience sample, timing not clear) 13 (7+6) At risk of malnutrition: 5–10% unintentional weight loss during the past 6 months, malnourished: unintentional weight loss > 10% during the past 6 months
UK Skinner et al. (2010)124 Older people 111 Meals on wheels recipients (not specified) 31 (16+15) ‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
UK Elia & Stratton (2005)105 > 65 years of age 953 Free-living (secondary analysis of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey) 12.5 (6.6+5.9) ‘MUST’ type criteria applied, i.e. a score of current weight status added to the weight loss score ( medium + high )
USA & CANADA
USA Fodero & Wunderlich (2008)125 ≥ 60 years of age 34 Convenience sample enrolled on Congregate Dining Programme and tai chi classes (not specified) 5.9 (5.9+0) MNA ( at risk + malnourished )
CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
Brazil De Andrade et al. (2009)126 > 60 years 834 Non-institutionalised – participating in Family Health Programme & Community Agents Health Programme (not specified) 2.1 BMI ( underweight < 18.5 kg/m²)
Cuba Da Silva Coqueiro et al. (2010)127 ≥ 60 years of age 1688 (Data from Survey on Health, Aging and Well-being of the Elderly SABE 2000) 33 BMI ( underweight <22 kg/m²)
ASIA
China Han et al. (2008)128 ≥ 65 years of age 162 Community-dwelling (convenience sample, Jul-Sep 2007) 44.4 (36.4+8.0) MNA ( at risk + undernourished )
Japan Iizaka et al. (2008)129 ≥ 65 years of age 130 (missing data n = 3) Attendees of Setagya Senior College (November–December 2006) 12.6 (12.6+0) MNA ( at risk + undernourished )
Taiwan Tsai et al. (2010)130 ≥ 65 years of age 2802 (1534 male, 1268 female) Free-living(data from ‘Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan’ SHLSET) 18 (15.1 + 2.9)male
24 (21.2 + 2.8) female 

14.3 (12.0 + 2.3) male
17.3 (15.6 + 1.7) female

 

14.3 (12.3 + 2.0) male
16.3 (14.8 + 1.5) female

MNA (at risk + malnourished)MNA-Taiwan version-1 (MNA-T1) (at risk + malnourished). Modified version of MNA altering the questions on protein intake to emphasise the frequency of consumption rather than the number of servings. Also contains Taiwanese- specific anthropometric cut-offs (no details given)

 

MNA-Taiwan version-2 (MNA-T2) (at risk + malnourished). Modified version of MNA with questions relating to protein intake as MNA-T1. Also, the BMI question omitted and redistributed BMI score to MAC – 1 point and calf circumference (CC) – 2 points

Taiwan Tsai et al. (2008) 131 ≥ 65 years of age 2400 In-home interviews, part of population- based “The Survey of Health & Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan” (not specified) 15.1 (13.1 + 2.0) MNA ( at risk + undernourished )
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Australia Leggo et al. (2008)132 Older people requiring help with daily tasks and younger people with impaired functional ability 1145 Home and Community Care recipients
(not specified September 2003 – June 2005)
15 MST. The MST was modified with an additional question ‘client appears very underweight or frail’, with ‘yes’ recommending dietetic referral, score 0–1 indicates low risk , 2 at risk , 3–4 higher level of risk , 5 very high risk of malnutrition
Australia Visvanathan et al. (2003)133 ≥ 65 years of age 250 Domiciliary care service recipients (between January and December 2000) 43.0 (38.4+4.8) MNA ( at risk + malnourished )
New Zealand Teh et al. (2010)134 75–79 years of age (Maori) 85 years of age (non-Maori) 108 Free-living
(not specified January – August 2008)
52 Seniors in the Community: Risk evaluation for Eating and Nutrition Version II (SCREEN II). Weight change, food intake, risk factors for food intake (meal frequency, diet restriction, appetite, chewing and swallowing difficulties, meal replacement, eating alone, meal preparation, shopping difficulties). Each item scores 0–4, lower scores indicating problems indicating nutrition risk. Total scores 0–64, < 50 = at significant nutrition risk
New Zealand Wham et al. (2011)135 80–85 years of age 51 Free-living (convenience sample April – July 2006) 31 SCREEN II <50 score = at significant nutrition risk

*Participants’ age in years mean (±SD): home care 76.2 (±12.0),27 home care well-nourished 59 (±20), at risk 64 (±23), malnourished 66 (±23)29
**Age ranges of sample: 70–79 years n = 103, 80–89 years n = 66, 90+ years n = 31

Table A1.7

Prevalence of malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in some examples of studies reported after 2002 according to country and healthcare setting – other care settings

Country Author (year) Study population Patients (n) Healthcare setting (and timing of nutritional screening/assessment) Prevalence % (risk category) Method and details of risk category where reported
EUROPE
The Netherlands Poels et al. (2006)136 Stroke patients > 18 years of age* 69 Stroke rehabilitation centre (on admission) 35 (primary criteria), 73 (if malnutrition defined by the presence of at least one of the primary or secondary criteria) Malnutrition assessed by a dietitian. Primary criteria for malnutrition were unintentional weight loss of > 5% in 1 month or > 10% in 6 months or a BMI < 18 kg/m2 (< 65 years) or < 22 kg/m2 (≥ 65 years). Secondary criteria for malnutrition: (1) serum albumin < 25 g/l, (2) Free-fat Mass (FFM) ≤ 16 kg/m2 (men), ≤ 15 kg/m2 (women), (3) TSFT < 90% of 12.5 mm (men) or 16.5 mm (women), (4) MAMC < 90% of 25.3 cm (men) or 23.3 cm (women)
UK Russell & Elia (2012)15 (spring 2011) Adults ≥ 18 years of age* 543 Mental health units (Acute units within 72 hours of admission, long-stay/rehab units within previous 6 months) 19 (9+10) ‘MUST’ (medium + high)
UK Russell & Elia (2011)16 (winter 2010) Adults ≥ 18 years of age* 146 Mental health units (Acute units within 72 hours of admission, long-stay/rehab units within previous 6 months) 18 (12+7)** ‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
UK Russell & Elia (2009)32 Adults ≥ 18 years of age* 185 Mental health units (Acute units within 72 hours of admission, long-stay/rehab units within previous 6 months) 20 (5+15) ‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
UK Russell & Elia (2008)33 Adults ≥ 18 years of age* 332 Mental health units (Acute units within 72 hours of admission, long-stay/rehab units within previous 6 months) 19 (7+12) ‘MUST’ ( medium + high )
ASIA
China Chai et al. (2008)137 Adults with history of stroke, mean age 76 years 61 Cheshire Home Infirmary (not specified) 8.2 BMI < 18.5 kg/m² + serum albumin <35 g/l
Taiwan Tsai et al. (2011)138 Adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression 120 Mental health units (convenience sample, not specified) 21.1 (11.5+9.6)
12.5 (12.5+0)
55.6 (50.0+5.6)
MNA-Taiwan version 1 (MNA-T1) ( at risk + malnourished ). Content-equivalent version of MNA. MNA-T1 adopted Taiwanese-specific anthropometric cut-off points. For Item G ‘can live independently’, those psychiatrically stable individuals who could carry out daily activities were considered to live independently and given one point in the study
MIDDLE EAST
Iran Amirkalali et al. (2010)139 ≥ 65 years of age 221 Kahrizak Charity Foundation† (not specified) 46.6 (43.4+3.2) MNA ( at risk + malnourished )

*Participants’ age in years mean (±SD): stroke rehabilitation centre 56.7 (±11.0),138 mental health units 59.2 (±20.0),33 66.4 (±20.1),32 50.0 (±19.0),16 55.9 (±21.6)15
**Figures do not add up due to rounding
†Private non-governmental non-profit charitable organisation where physically handicapped or elderly with no financial resources are cared for free of charge

Table A1.8

Prevalence of malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in children in hospital in studies reported after 2000 according to country

Country Author (year) Study population Patients (n) Healthcare setting (and timing of nutritional screening /assessment) ) Prevalence % (risk category) Method and details of risk category where reported
Acute Chronic Overall
EUROPE
Austria Wildham et al. (2007)140 Children 3–18 years 100 Hospital (admission) 3% (2+1)
18% (13+5)
17% (8+9) 15% (15+0) Waterlow Score (stunting)**: moderate + severe
Waterlow Score (wasting)*: moderate + severe
Gomez score (WFA)†: moderate + severe
Vienna score (moderate + severe): Based on albumin, total lymphocyte count, haemoglobin measures (see Wildham et al. 2007 for cut-off points), total weight loss of > 5% relative to pre-illness body weight (4 weeks), weight/height centile < 10th centile and lack of appetite.
France Lambe et al. (2010)141 All children admitted to paediatric neurology and orthopaedic surgery wards with length of stay > 2 days 348 Tertiary care paediatric hospital (Timing of assessment not specified) 4.9% (4+0.9)
2.3% (1.4+0.9)
20%
Orthopaedic surgery: moderate + severe
Neurology: moderate + severe
All: mild, moderate + severe for both specialities.

Data collection (weight, height, growth charts, clinical history) performed by a dietitian. Nutritional status assessed by a specialist paediatrician. No details given regarding cut-off points for mild, moderate or severe protein-energy malnutrition.

France Marteletti et al. (2005)142 Children aged between 2 months & 16 years hospitalised for > 48 hours 280
(No age breakdown)
One-day cross-sectional study over 3 different seasons 11% Malnourished: WFH z-score < -2 SD.
France Hankard et al. (2001)143 Children aged > 6 months admitted to medical or surgical wards for > 48 hours 58
(No age breakdown)
One-day cross-sectional 21%
12%
Malnourished: BMI below -2 SD (when patients with anorexia nervosa excluded).

Note: Patients receiving nutritional support (parenteral, enteral or special regimens for metabolic diseases) were excluded (represented 19% of total number of patients admitted on the day of the survey).

France Sermet-Gaudelus et al. (2000)144 Children aged > 1 month with a hospital stay of ≥ 48 hours admitted to medical or surgical wards 296 total:
• 1–12 mo (n = 133)
• 12–72 mo (n = 87)
• > 72 mo (n = 76)
Hospital (within 48h of admission) 26%
85.2% (40.9+44.3)
(No age breakdown)
Undernourished: percentage IBW < 85%

Simple Paediatric Nutritional Risk Score: Takes account of food intake, pain and pathology. Maximum score 5.
Low risk: score 0
Moderate risk: score 1–2
High risk: score ≥ 3

Note: Children with conditions that involved large variations in hydration were excluded.

Germany Pawellek et al. (2008)145 All children admitted to 1 of 2 general paediatric

wards or 1 surgical ward

475 (< 1– 17 years) < 1 year n = 28

2–5 years n = 164

6–12 years n = 186

13–17 years n = 97

Hospital (admission) 6.1% (4.4+1.7) 14.2% (7.1+7.1)

4.3% (4.3+0.0)

5.9% (4.8+1.1)

7.2% (3.1+4.1)

17.2% (7.5+9.7) Waterlow criteria:

Mild malnutrition: 81–90% centile WFH
Moderate malnutrition: 70–80% centile WFH
Severe malnutrition: < 70% centile WFH

TSFT:
Malnutrition: 5th–9th centile
Severe malnutrition: < 5th centile

Italy Campanozzi et al. (2009)146 All children aged 1 month to 16 years admitted to medical paediatric ward with ±Grade 1 conditions 496

1-12 months n = 174

13-24 months n = 72

25-36 months n = 48

37-72 months n = 84

> 72 months n = 118

Hospital admission 10.2

No age breakdown

Malnourished: BMI z-score < -2

±Grade 1 conditions involve mild stress factors, e.g. admissions for diagnostic procedures, minor infection, other episodic illnesses or minor surgery (American Academy of Pediatrics and American Dietetic Association criteria)

Patients with < 72-hour hospital stay, patients aged < 1 month, patients with chronic conditions and patients requiring IV fluid/electrolyte therapy or who were dehydrated were excluded

The Netherlands Hulst et al. (2010)147 Children aged > 1 month, admission to paediatric ward and expected stay at least 1 day 424
No age breakdown
Hospital admission 62 (54+8) STRONGkids includes: 1) SGA 2) high risk disease 3) nutritional intake and losses and 4) weight loss or poor weight increase

(moderate + high risk)

The Netherlands Joosten et al. (2010)148 Children aged > 1 month, admission to medium care unit and expected stay at least 1 day 424

< 1 year

2-5 years

6-12 years

13-17 years

Hospital admission 11

14

14

7

10

9

6

8

12

11

19

18

21

17

19

Acute malnutrition: WFH < -2 SD

Chronic malnutrition: HFA < -2 SD

Overall malnutrition rate: presence of acute and/or chronic malnutrition

Poland Horvath et al. (2008)149 Series of unselected children (age not specified) 96
No age breakdown
Timing of assessment not specified

Paediatric teaching hospital

16

14

19

Malnutrition was defined as:
BMI < 3rd centile for age
BMI z-score < -2 SD
MAC < 5th centile for age
Spain Moreno Villares et al. (2005)150 Children aged 1 month to 19 years 268

< 2 years n = 132

2-7 years n = 69

17.2
Spain Villares et al. (2017)151 Children aged 0 to 17 years > 7 years n = 62
991
Hospital (on admission) 7.1 (moderate)
0.7 (severe)
2.7 (moderate)
1.4 (severe)
11.9 STAMP
Turkey± Dogan et al. (2005)152 Children aged 1 month to 23 years
No age breakdown
528 (223 female) Hospital admission 52.4
40.9
27 45.7 Acute malnutrition:
based on WFA
based on WFH

Chronic malnutrition (based on HFA)
BMI below -2 SD

Turkey± Ozturk et al. (2003)153 Children aged > 1 month to 17 years 170 Hospital admission 30.4 (21.7 + 5.8 + 2.9) Mild, moderate and severe malnutrition
Mild: 80-89% of ideal body WFH
Moderate: 70-79% of ideal body WFH
Severe: < 70% of ideal body WFH
UK McCarthy et al. (2012)154 All children aged 2-17 years admitted to participating medical & surgical wards
No age breakdown
238 Timing of screening/assessment not reported

Large paediatric hospital

18

14

STAMP. Consists of 3 scored elements: clinical diagnosis, nutritional intake, anthropometric measures. An overall score of ≥ 4 considered as ‘at nutrition risk’

Full nutritional assessment by a RD, consisting of a face-to-face interview to obtain dietary, personal and clinical information from medical and nursing notes

UK Gerasimidis et al. (2010)155 All children aged 1 – 16 years admitted to 4 paediatric wards (Tertiary paediatric hospital [TPH], 3 medical & 1 surgical, District general hospital [DGH] 1 general paediatric) 247
No age breakdown
Within 24 hours of hospital admission

District general hospital (DGH)

Tertiary paediatric hospital (TPH)

DGH
19.4
(10.4 + 9)

TPH
19.5
(9 + 10.5)

PYMS (medium + high risk)

STEP 1: BMI below 2nd centile (-2 SD) on UK 1990 growth chart
STEP 2: history of recent weight loss
STEP 3: recent change in nutritional intake for at least the past week
STEP 4: the likely effect of the current medical condition on the nutritional status of the patient for at least the next week.
Each step bears a score of 0-2 and the total score reflects the degree of the nutrition risk of the patient

Low risk of malnutrition: score of 0
Moderate risk of malnutrition: score of 1
High risk of malnutrition: score of ≥ 2

Note: Patients from cardiology, renal and orthopaedic specialities, critical care and day assessment were not included

USA & CANADA
Canada Groleau & Babakissa (2008)156 Children aged 0-18 years
No age breakdown
173 On hospital admission 79.8

28

35

Nutritional paediatric nutrition score published in 2000 (likely to be Sermet-Gaudelus et al. 2000)

Canadian Paediatric Society’s recommendations (no details given)

Waterlow score (no details given on whether this was acute or chronic)

Canada Secker & Jeejeebhoy (2007)157 Consecutive children aged 31 days to 17.9 years scheduled for surgery 175

31 days -2 years n = 51

2-5 years n = 22

5-12 years n = 45

12-17 years n = 57

Nutritional assessment undertaken either the day before surgery or the morning of surgery for same-day admissions

Large paediatric academic hospital

51 (36 + 15)

No age-related breakdown of prevalence

Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment (SGNA) (moderate + severe)

Note: requiring major abdominal or non-cardiac thoracic surgery on a nonemergency basis and who had not undergone surgery in the 30 days before screening

Canada Bélanger et al. (2019)158 Children aged 1 month to 18 years 307 Paediatric hospital: medical, surgical, or oncology ward (on admission) 36.9 (31.3 + 5.6)

86.9 (60.3 + 26.6)

19.5

Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment (SGNA) (moderate + severe)

Screening Tool Risk on Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids) (medium and high risk)

Malnutrition was defined as a weight-for-age, height-for-age, body mass index-for-age, or weight-for-length/height z score <-2 SD.

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
Brazil± Fernandez et al. (2008)159 Children aged < 3 years 67 (46% < 2 years old) Within 48 hours of admission Hospital general paediatric unit 43 Gomez score (WFA)

Categories not reported separately, prevalence reported as ‘had some degree of malnutrition’

Brazil± Rocha et al. (2006)160 Children: average age 21.6 ±15.4 months (62.2% aged < 24 months) 203

Aged 3-11 months n = 69

12-23 months n = 57

24-59 months n = 77

Within 48 hours of admission 18.7

6.9

18.2 Weight for? age (moderate and/or severe) Weight/stature (moderate and/or severe) Stature for? age (moderate and/or severe)
Classified in accordance with WHO criteria:
Mild malnutrition: z-score from -1 to -2 SD
Moderate malnutrition: z-score from -2 to -3 SD
Severe malnutrition: z-score less than -3 SD Ages corrected for children with gestation age < 37 weeks

Note: Children with chronic liver or renal disease, surgical pathologies or cerebral palsy or who were admitted to intensive care or oncology units with rehospitalisation during the study period were excluded

Cuba± Jimenez et al. (2008)161 All children (age not specified) No additional data 162 On admission Tertiary level national paediatric hospital 17.3 Malnutrition: < 3rd centile WFH; National Growth Charts (severe malnutrition)
MIDDLE EAST
Iran± Mahdavi et al. (2009)162 Consecutive admissions aged 2-12 years 140
No age breakdown
Within 3 days of hospitalisation

Paediatric hospital

70.7

48.5

SGA (SGA B/C)

Objective assessment (Waterlow criteria) includes mild, moderate and severe malnutrition

Note: Admissions to surgical, inflectional, oncology, ENT and internal medicine wards (gastroenterology, nephrology, respiratory, neurology, cardiology, metabolic disorder)

AFRICA
South Africa± Marino et al. (2006)163 Patients in all medical and surgical wards and in some specialist outpatient clinics 227

< 12 months

13–60 months

Children > 60 months

Timing of assessment not reported

Hospital

40/27

27/21

29/14

33.5
34

31
32

31
19

35 Undernourished defined as ≤ 2 z-scores for following:
WFA/WFH and HFA
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Australia Aurangzeb et al. (2012)164 Aged > 1 month 157 Tertiary paediatric hospital (new admissions during one week in September 2006) 4.5

2.5

8.9 47.8 WFA z-score ≤ -2
WFH z-score ≤ – 2
HFA z-score ≤ -2
NRS (No nutritional risk: 0–3, moderate risk: 4–5 and high risk: ≥ 7)

*Acute malnutrition Waterlow score (wasting):145 mild: 80–90% WFH; moderate: 70–80% WFH; severe: < 70% WFH
**Chronic malnutrition Waterlow score (stunting):145 mild: 95–87.5% HFA; moderate: 87.5–80% HFA; severe: < 80% HFA.
†Acute malnutrition Gomez score (WFA)146: mild: 75–90% WFA; moderate: 60–74% WFA; severe: < 60% WFA.
¥WHO criteria:147 moderate: symmetrical oedema – no, WFH -3 ≤ SD-score < -2 (70-79%), HFA -3 ≤ SD-score < -2 (85-89%); severe: symmetrical oedema – yes, WFH SD-score < -3 (<70%), HFA
SD-score < -3 (<85%).
±Countries classed as Upper Middle Income Economies see http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lending-groups for more information.

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