Nutritional risk, nutrition impact symptoms, and dietary intake after four or more days of admission: A cross-sectional study on hospitalised patients

Background

Regular audits on nutrition screening, therapy, and dietary intake monitoring are essential for ensuring optimal nutrition practice. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of nutritional risk, nutritional coverage, and nutrition impact symptoms (NIS) in hospitalized patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted, including adult patients admitted for ≥5 days on November 1, 2023. Data were collected from medical records to estimate the prevalence of nutritional risk using the NRS-2002 score. Additionally, data on dietary intake and NIS were collected through interviews with patients identified as being at nutritional risk.

Results

A total of 104 patients (48% females) were included in the study, with 51% identified as being at nutritional risk. Patients at nutritional risk and those not at risk differed significantly in terms of length of admission (median 9 (IQR: 7–17) vs. 7 days (6–11), P = 0.015) and BMI (median 22.3 (IQR: 20.3–27.7) vs. 25.9 (22.9–29.7), P = 0.015). Patients at nutritional risk had a median energy coverage of 60% (IQR: 38–87) and a median protein coverage of 45% (IQR: 36–82). However, only 42% of them achieved an energy intake of ≥75% of the estimated requirement, while 28% met the same level for protein intake. The most prevalent NIS affecting dietary intake was ‘diarrhea, constipation, or discomfort from the stomach’, reported by 50% of patients.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant prevalence of nutritional risk among hospitalised patients, with one in every two patients identified as being at risk. Despite efforts, nutritional needs were not adequately met, particularly regarding protein intake. Regular audits and interdisciplinary collaboration are necessary for improving nutritional care and outcomes in hospital settings.