The Relationship Between Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Frailty, and Quality of Life in Older Adults Living in a Nursing Home

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between Mediterranean diet adherence, frailty, and quality of life in older adults living in a nursing home. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between March-May 2024 with 111 participants aged 65 years and older living in a nursing home in İzmir province. Participants' sociodemographic information was recorded through face-to-face interviews, and the ‘Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form’ was used to assess nutritional status, the ‘FRAIL Nursing Home Scale’ to assess frailty, the ‘Quality of Life Scale for Older Adults’ to measure quality of life, and the ‘Mediterranean Diet Adherence’ scale to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 77.25±3.99 years, and 48.6% were women. The length of stay in the nursing home was less than 4 years for 75.7%. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was strict in 78.4%, moderate in 10.8%, and acceptable in 10.8%. Frailty was identified in 61.3%, and severe frailty in 6.3%. Regarding nutritional status, 14.4% were malnourished, and 64% were at risk of malnutrition. The mean quality of life score was 28.91±5.80, the mean perceived autonomy and satisfaction subscale score was 21.91±4.92, and the mean perceived barriers subscale score was 6.95±1.95. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was not found to be associated with frailty (p>0.05), and the perceived barriers dimension of quality of life, frailty (r=-0.271, p