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Abstract Aim: To assess malnutrition and identify the main risk factors associated with malnutrition among elderly patients with selected chronic diseases (hypertension and diabetes). Research design: A cross-sectional descriptive design was consumed. Subjects: A Purposive sample of (100) elderly patients was selected in the current study. Setting: The current study was carried out in medical outpatient clinics, at Minia University Hospital, Egypt. Tools: Three tools were operated to collect data; 1) Patient interview structured questionnaire sheet. 2) Nutritional assessment sheet (Mini Nutritional Assessment scale (MNA) and biochemical measurements). 3) Questionnaire sheet to assess risk factors of malnutrition. Results: It was revealed that more than half of the participants (60%) were at risk of malnutrition, with highly statistically significant differences between (age, income, education, physiological and Psychological factors) and that risk of malnutrition. Conclusion: More than half of the studied elderly patients with diabetes and \ or hypertension were at risk for malnutrition. Additionally, age, place of residence, low education, and income significantly affected their nutritional status. As well as physiological factors were the most noticeable risk factors for malnutrition among them. Recommendations: Educational classes for elderly patients with chronic diseases (diabetes and hypertension) that focus on proper nutrition and healthy lifestyles with routine screening tests for evaluating their nutritional status are recommended. |