Burden of Malnutrition in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Baguio City

The objective of this study is to determine prevalence, risk factors, and prognostic impact of malnutrition. Nutritional state was assessed by Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and body mass index (BMI). Risk factors for malnutrition and effect of malnutrition on morbidity, mortality, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. Prevalence of malnutrition on admission and on discharge was 73%. Risk factors significantly associated with malnutrition were severity of primary diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 3.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [2.26, 5.18], p < .0001), age (p < .001), and presence of comorbidities (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = [1.13, 2.46], p < .013). Malnourished patients had longer hospital stay (5.1 +/- 4.9 days, p < .0001) and higher risk of dying (OR = 6.38, 95% CI = [1.14, 135.80], p < .030), and were more likely to be confined for more than 7 days (OR = 4.20, 95% CI = [1.89, 9.34], p < .001). The study concludes that malnutrition is prevalent on admission and discharge. Malnourished patients are older, suffer more serious disease, and have comorbidities. Complications risk is higher if malnourished.