OBJECTIVE: We investigated the prevalence of malnutrition in a sample of hospitalized patients in Argentina. METHODS: A random population-based sample of 1000 inpatients in 38 hospitals in 17 cities of Argentina was selected and studied with the Subjective Global Assessment (physical examination plus questionnaire). RESULTS: Forty-seven percent of the participants were identified as having some degree of malnourishment, one-fourth of which was considered severe. Older males, especially those with cancer or infections, were at highest risk. Nutritional information was incorporated into the patients' charts in only 38.8% of cases, and fewer than 15% had records of usual or current weight and height. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that malnutrition among hospital inpatients in Argentina is common and that the patients' nutrition status is largely unrecognized and neglected in their hospital charts.
OBJECTIVE: We investigated the prevalence of malnutrition in a sample of hospitalized patients in Argentina. METHODS: A random population-based sample of 1000 inpatients in 38 hospitals in 17 cities of Argentina was selected and studied with the Subjective Global Assessment (physical examination plus questionnaire). RESULTS: Forty-seven percent of the participants were identified as having some degree of malnourishment, one-fourth of which was considered severe. Older males, especially those with cancer or infections, were at highest risk. Nutritional information was incorporated into the patients' charts in only 38.8% of cases, and fewer than 15% had records of usual or current weight and height. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that malnutrition among hospital inpatients in Argentina is common and that the patients' nutrition status is largely unrecognized and neglected in their hospital charts.
Authors: Kondwani Gh Katundu; Timothy W Mutafya; Noel C Lozani; Patrick M Nyirongo; Molly E Uebele Journal: Malawi Med J Date: 2018-06 Impact factor: 0.875