ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Given evidence that malnutrition and immobility increase the risk of pressure injuries (PIs) in nursing home (NH) residents and that body mass index guidelines related to undernutrition may differ between Asian and non-Asian populations, the purpose of this study was to describe differences in overall nutrition, dietary intake, and nonnutrition risk factors for PIs between Asian and non-Asian NH residents.
DESIGN AND SETTING: Secondary data analysis of a 3-week PI prevention randomized controlled trial in seven Canadian NHs.
PATIENTS: Asian (n = 97) and non-Asian (n = 408) residents at moderate or high mobility-related risk of PI.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incident PI by racial subgroups.
MAIN RESULTS: Asian residents (PI = 6) consumed significantly smaller meals and marginally different patterns of daily dietary consumption of protein types, liquid supplements, and snacks; took more frequent tub baths; and had marginally lower body mass index than non-Asian residents (PI = 4).
CONCLUSIONS: Findings are consistent with earlier research suggesting that nutrition consumption and care patterns may predispose Asian NH residents to develop more PIs than their non-Asian counterparts. Future research should focus on the threshold for and types of nutrition support sufficient to improve nutrition status and reduce PI risk.