Prevalence of Malnutrition and Monitoring of Food Consumption among Hospitalized Patients

Under-nourishment of hospitalized patients has been a problem recognized for nearly 40 years. It is associated with increased risk of hospital-acquired infections, delayed wound healing, increased length of stay (LOS), and treatment cost, with higher morbidity and mortality. The problem of iatrogenic malnutrition worsens with existing poor nutritional status. The aim of the study is to identify malnutrition and the determinants of poor dietary intake among hospitalized patients. Prospective observational study of patients admitted to a tertiary-care hospital. All patients admitted to the hospital wards were screened and assessed with validated tools. Food consumption of 25% of the patients admitted was assessed. Visual estimation of leftover food in the plate after consumption was performed. Anthropometric data, LOS, and mean intake of energy and protein against delivered quantities were assessed. 1250 patients-538 females and 712 males (mean age 54.98 ± 15.61years) were assessed. The mean BMI of the study group was 25.6 ± 5.9kg/m2 . Of these, 45.7% and 1.2% were moderately and severely malnourished, respectively. 53.1% of the patients were well nourished at admission. The mean delivered calorie and protein content of the meal was 568 ± 104.8 kcal and 21.7 ± 4.3gm, respectively. The mean consumed energy and protein contentwas 324.4 ± 224.0) (57%) and (12.3 ± 8.64) (55.3%) respectively. There was a significant difference in consumption of energy (p<0.001) and protein (p<0.001) among the well-nourished as compared to malnourished patients. Maintaining good nutritional status is vital. Estimation of plate wastage will facilitate early recognition of poor food intake. Early recognition would help to optimize nutritional intervention.