Assessing Family Physicians’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Malnutrition in the Elderly - Poster Session 7135

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah

Malnutrition among older populations significantly impacts healthcare and aged-care systems, yet often remains unnoticed and untreated. This study evaluates family physicians’ knowledge and attitudes regarding diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition in elderly patients. An online questionnaire assessed seven knowledge items and eight attitude items, and explored feasibility of two malnutrition screening questions for patients aged 70+. Responses from 126 physicians showed broad agreement on malnutrition importance and high willingness to use screening questions after training. Results support routine biannual malnutrition screening in primary care, with subsequent diagnosis and referral for appropriate interventions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study evaluation: knowledge and attitudes

Screening feasibility and questionnaire design

Key findings and recommendations

716 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 SESSION 7135 (POSTER) PRIMARY CARE Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2439 ASSESSING FAMILY PHYSICIANS’ KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARD MALNUTRITION IN THE ELDERLY Galia SheferHilel1, Josefa Kachal2, Danit Shahar3, Aya Biderman3, and Shimon Amar3, 1. Tel-Hai College, Qiryat Shemona, HaZafon, Israel, 2. Ministry of Haelth, Ashdod, HaDarom, Israel, 3. Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva, HaDarom, Israel Malnutrition among older populations significantly impacts healthcare, social, and aged-care systems, and often remains unnoticed and untreated in older populations. This study evaluates family physicians’ knowledge and attitudes toward the diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition in this group. An online questionnaire, developed from a literature review, included seven items on knowledge and eight on attitudes concerning malnutrition in older individuals. We also explored the feasibility of including two malnutrition screening questions in regular clinic visits for people aged 70 years and above. Surveys were completed by 126 physicians (35% response rate), with an average age of 47.2±12.6 years; 15.6±12.5 years of practice; 67% females; and 92% board-certified family physicians. Notably, 77.6% agreed that diagnosing malnutrition is important inpatients with decreased appetite. A majority demonstrated knowledge of nutritional screening principles (63.5%) and acknowledged that malnutrition could affect obese older individuals (83.2%). There was partial agreement (60%) that normal BMI values in the older adults differ from those in younger populations. Almost complete agreement (91%) was seen for incorporating two nutritional status questions during medical visits with physicians expressing willingness to undergo training in malnutrition identification and screening tools. Despite challenges such as time constraints and limited knowledge, there was support for biannual screening of older patients for malnutrition risk. Based on our findings. We recommend routine malnutrition screening in primary care, followed by diagnosis and referral for appropriate interventions for malnourished patients aged 70 and above.

FAQs

What was the purpose of assessing family physicians in this study?

The study evaluated family physicians’ knowledge and attitudes toward diagnosing and treating malnutrition in elderly patients, and examined feasibility of adding malnutrition screening questions to routine visits.

How was the questionnaire structured and who participated?

An online questionnaire derived from a literature review included seven knowledge items and eight attitude items. It was completed by 126 physicians (35% response rate).

What do the findings recommend for primary care practice?

The findings recommend routine malnutrition screening for older patients in primary care, followed by diagnosis and referral for appropriate interventions, particularly for patients aged 70 and above.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah