A study of nutritional status, development of malnutrition and food consumption in hospitalized patients

Purpose: To investigate the nutritional status of patients on admission and during hospital stay, the factors leading to weight loss, and to evaluate patient satisfaction of hospital food. Methods: On admission, Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002), weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), mid upper arm circumference (MAC) measurements were carried out; serum total protein and albumin levels were recorded. Upon discharge, measurements of weight, MAC were repeated, along with a food satisfaction questionnaire. Results: Patients with NRS-2002>3, BMI<20, were classified as nutrionally at risk which were 43.6% and 9.4% respectively. Of the patients, 77% lost weight (2.6±1.9 kg). Patients who were determined to be malnourished on admission by BMI and NRS-2002 stayed longer in hospital (p<0.0 and p<0.001, respectively). The relationships between weight loss and lenght of stay, use of medications and period of starvation were significant (p<0.0001, for each). Of the patients, 49.9% did not satisfy with the hospital food. Conclusions: Nutritional status of hospitalized patients should be screened with NRS-2002, assessed and monitored. Keywords: NRS-2002, hospital malnutrition, hospital food services