EVALUATING THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF HOSPITALIZED GERIATRIC PATIENTS ON THE DAY OF ADMISSION & DISCHARGE

sports exercise and nutrition sciences

Background: As the global population ages, the health and well-being of older adults become increasingly important. The aging process is accompanied by physiological changes that impact nutritional needs. Malnutrition in hospitalized geriatric patients is a significant and often overlooked issue that can have profound consequences on health outcomes. Geriatric individuals are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition due to a combination of factors such as age-related changes in metabolism, decreased appetite, and the presence of chronic illnesses & existing nutritional challenges, leading to inadequate nutrient intake. Therefore, significant Nutritional screening and assessment is crucial in Hospitalized geriatric patient to evaluate their nutritional status and hence, to provide optimal nutrition to ensure a Healthy and good quality of Life. Objective: To analyze the changes in the Nutritional Status Score of the First and last day of hospitalized geriatric patients. The study also focuses on identifying the changes in dietary intake, changes in Anthropometric measurements, and assessing changes in muscle strength of the admission and discharge from the Hospital. Methodology: The study conducted was an observational study that included 100 patients from D. Y. Patil Hospital Nerul, Navi Mumbai. The patient was selected through convenience sampling and based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data of patients were collected after the consent of the patients, through personal interviews of the subject or the relatives of the subject with the Help of validated and reliable tool MNA Form, Hand grip dynamometer, and a short questionnaire. General Information involving age, sex, food habits, Anthropometric measurements, Mobility, psychological status, Presence of Comorbidities, consumption of medication & pressure sores, and ulcers of overall tools involved in conducting the thesis. The study involved assessment on the admission and on the day of discharge. The short questionnaire was filled at last i.e. on the day of discharge which included an assessment of notable changes in nutritional status score, changes in handgrip strength, and if the nutritional intervention was provided. Nutritional status was evaluated based on the individual's Nutritional status score that is provided by the MNA form. Result: In this study, we analyzed the nutritional and health status of 100 hospitalized geriatric patients. Gender distribution varied across age groups, with males constituting 44.40% and females 55.60% among those aged 65-74, an equal distribution at 50% each for ages 75-84, and females making up 100% of patients over 85. Nutritional status showed significant improvement from admission to discharge, with the mean score rising from 2.04 to 2.28 (p < .001). Dietary intake improved notably: dairy product consumption increased from 0.27 to 0.51 servings/day (p < 0.001), legumes or eggs from 0.25 to 0.50 servings/week (p < 0.001), fluids from 1.54 to 1.91 liters/day (p < 0.001), fruits or vegetables from 0.00 to 0.08 servings/day (p = 0.004), and the number of meals per day from 1.40 to 1.90 (p < 0.001). Meat, fish, or poultry intake remained stable (p = 0.482). Anthropometric measurements showed significant weight increases (mean difference -0.160, p < 0.001) and BMI (mean difference -0.130, p = 0.002), while changes in mid-arm circumference was slightly increased and calf circumference were not significant. Hand grip strength significantly improved from 17.90 kg to 19.80 kg (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the positive impact of hospital care on the nutritional health and muscle strength of geriatric patients. Conclusion: The study "Evaluating the Nutritional Status of Hospitalized Geriatric Patients on the Day of Admission & Discharge" demonstrates that hospital care significantly improves the nutritional status and physical health of geriatric patients. Key findings include enhanced nutritional scores, increased intake of dairy, legumes, fluids, fruits, vegetables, and more frequent meals. Significant gains in weight, BMI, and hand grip strength further indicate better nutritional and muscle health. Although some anthropometric measurements showed modest, non-significant changes, the overall positive trend underscores the effectiveness of tailored nutritional interventions. This research highlights the need for ongoing improvements in nutritional care for hospitalized geriatric patients to optimize their outcomes and quality of life.

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