Prevalence and associated factors of malnutrition among adult hospitalized patients at Amhara National Regional State Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia

Abstract

Based on numerous reports worldwide, an estimated 13% to 69% of hospitalized patients are malnourished. Even though hospitalized patients are more prone to malnutrition; Clinical nutrition and nutritional assessment are often neglected components of the health service practice. To assess prevalence and associated factors of malnutrition among adult hospitalized patients. Institution based cross- sectional study was deployed and stratified random sampling technique was used with a total of 403 patients were included in the analysis. Weight and height of the patient was measured to calculate body mass index and the study subject was interviewed based on the questionnaire. The degree of association was assessed using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and P value. Both bivariate and Multivariate logistic regression were used to identify the associated factors. The prevalence of malnutrition of the study participant was found to be 55.6%. Marital status, Education level, Weight loss, HIV/AIDS co-infection and Individual dietary diversity score were the identified factors affecting under nutrition. Prevalence of malnutrition among adult hospitalized patients is found to be high. Therefore, great emphasis has to be given for nutritional management of adult hospitalized patients. Furthermore additional researches should also be conducted.