Assessment of nutritional status on the basis of the mini nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire in patients on the internal medicine ward

Background: The inadequate nutritional status of hospitalized patients leading to the malnutrition is one of the crucial clinical problems.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess nutritional status of patients on the basis of the mini nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire.

Material and Methods: The study group included 120 patients staying on the internal medicine ward. The average age for female and male was 65±9.7 and 63±8.4 years, respectively. To assess malnutrition the anthropometric measurements and the MNA questionnaire was conducted.

Results: The average MIS (Malnutrition Indicator Score) value in female and male was 25.0 ± 3.0. Among 29% of women and 18.2% of men the risk of malnutrition occurrence was noted. The incorrect values of BMI (body mass index) were observed more frequently in male compared to female (84.0% vs. 67.0%). Incorrect values of the MAC (mid arm circumference) and CC (calf circumference) were found respectively in 6.6 % and 10.5% of female and in 2.3% of male. 55.3% of women and 75% of men declared taking more than 3 prescription drugs a day. In women were observed a significantly higher deficiency of dairy products, meat, fish, or poultry as well as meals containing legume plants or eggs per week compared to men (21.0% vs. 4.5%). An insufficient daily intake of vegetables was declared by 20.4% of men and 15.8% of women.

Conclusions: The occurrence of malnutrition or its risk was observed in about a quarter of studied hospitalized patients. The malnutrition was worsened by a reported loss of appetite, a significant number of drugs being taken, and inadequate nutrition among the patients.