Predictive utility of level II screening items for functional limitation

This study examined the predictive utility of selected Level II Nutrition (LII) screening items for functional limitation in 181 male and female Medicare patients. Data were collected at hospital discharge. Functional limitation was measured by 9 self-reported daily activities. These included 6 activities of daily living (ADLs) related to personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and walking) and 3 instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) related to management (traveling, food preparation, and shopping). The 3 categories used for predicting functional limitation were demographics, anthropometries, and other health related variables. Some items had little or no utility in predicting functional limitation. BMI, MAC, and a self-reported recent weight loss > 10 lb. were not associated with any of the measures of functional status. Body weight, SSF, MAMC, % IBW, polypharmacy, and income were associated with only 1 measure each. Age had the most predictive utility while TSF also performed well. Age was associated with 4 of the personal care items and all 3 of the management items. TSF was associated with walking, food preparation, and traveling. Whether or not TSF acts independently of age in this population requires further investigation.