The socioecological correlates of meal skipping in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review

Abstract

Abstract Context Meal skipping may contribute to nutrient deficiency across the lifespan. Multiple socioecological factors have been identified as correlates of meal skipping in adolescents and adults, but evidence in older adults is limited. Objective To determine the socioecological correlates of meal skipping in community-dwelling older adults. Data source Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and MEDLINE electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to March 2021. Data extraction A total of 473 original research studies on socioecological factors and meal skipping among community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years were identified. Title, abstract, and full-text review was performed by 2 reviewers independently, and a third reviewer resolved disagreements. A total of 23 studies met our inclusion criteria. Data were extracted by 1 reviewer from these studies and independently verified by another. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess methodological quality. Data analysis The frequency of meal skipping in included studies ranged between 2.1% and 61%. This review identified 5 domains of socioecological correlates associated with meal skipping in older adults: sociodemographic, behavioral, biomedical, psychological, and social. Conclusion Understanding the factors associated with meal skipping in older adults can inform the development of targeted interventions to improve nutrition and health. Systematic review registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021249338.