Concept analysis of nutritional frailty and implications for nursing

doi:10.3761/j.issn.0254-1769.2026.13.020

Abstract

Abstract:

Objective To analyze and clarify the concept of nutritional frailty and to provide a reference for the assessment and nursing interventions of nutritional frailty. Methods A systematic search was conducted in CNKI，Wanfang Database，VIP Database，China Biomedical Literature Database，PubMed，Embase，Web of Science，and CI-NAHL from inception to October 2025. Walker and Avant’s method was used to conduct a concept analysis. Results A total of 62 articles were included. Nutritional frailty comprised 3 defining attributes：nutritional abnormalities，impaired muscle function，and physical functional decline. Antecedents included physiological factors，disease-related factors，nutritional factors，psychological and functional factors，and social and environmental factors. Consequences included an increased risk of adverse health outcomes，cognitive and psychological decline，and a greater socioeconomic burden. Conclusion This concept analysis elucidated the defining attributes，antecedents，and consequences of nutritional frailty. Future studies should develop and validate assessment tools applicable to different care scenarios on the basis of clear concepts，and explore comprehensive intervention plans to improve individuals’ health outcomes and quality of life.

Key words: Nutritional Frailty, Concept Analysis, Nursing Care

摘要：

目的分析并阐明营养衰弱的概念内涵，为营养衰弱的评估和护理干预提供参考。方法系统检索中国知网、万方数据库、维普数据库、中国生物医学文献数据库、PubMed、Embase、Web of Science、CINAHL，检索时限为建库至2025年10月。采用Walker和Avant概念分析法进行分析。结果共纳入62篇文献。营养衰弱包括营养异常、肌肉功能受损和躯体功能下降3个定义属性；前因包括生理因素、疾病因素、营养因素、心理与功能因素、社会与环境因素；后果包括不良健康结局的发生风险增加、认知及心理功能减退、社会经济负担加重。结论该研究通过概念分析，明确了营养衰弱的定义属性、前因和后果。未来需要在明晰概念的基础上，开发并验证适用于不同照护场景的评估工具，探索综合干预方案，以改善个体的健康结局和生活质量。

关键词: 营养衰弱, 概念分析, 护理

LI Jun, YANG Zhongfang, TIAN Li. Concept analysis of nutritional frailty and implications for nursing[J]. Chinese Journal of Nursing, 2026, 61(13): 1866-1872.

李骏, 杨中方, 田利. 营养衰弱的概念分析及护理启示[J]. 中华护理杂志, 2026, 61(13): 1866-1872.

Figures/Tables 3

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