The Assessment Of Energy And Protein Needs Coverage In Hospitalized Patients

AIM: Aiming at assessing sufficiency of energy/protein intake in hospitalized patients, the objective was to monitor and analyze actual food intake of patients hospitalized in three clinical wards of one of major Slovenian hospitals. METHODS: 53 patients were included in the study. Food intake was assessed 3 times daily from leftovers. Nutritional status was assessed with Nutritional Risk Screening tool 2002. The observed outcomes were percentage of energy coverage (PEC) and percentage of protein coverage (PPC). In PEC energy nutritional value of the menu (ENVM), and in PPC protein nutritional value of the menu (PNVM) were considered as the main modifiable risk factors. Data were analyzed univariately and multivariately by using logistic regression method. RESULTS: The patients did not cover energy needs (67.4±24.5%). Multivariate model for PEC was highly significant (R2=0.347; pmodel<0.001) with ENVM showing high strength of association (b=0.040; p=0.004). Patients also did not cover protein needs (84.0±40.2%). Multivariate model for PEC was highly significant (R2=0.477; pmodel<0.001) and PNVM showing high strength of association (b=0.937; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: For successful prevention and early detection of malnutrition, food intake in hospitals is vital and should be constantly monitored. A simple method for monitoring is proposed. The menus provided to patients should also be adequate in terms of energy and protein content.