Malnutrition Screening and Prevalence in a Population of Inpatients with Non Communicable Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study (Algeria, 2020)

Introduction: Hospitalization is a stressful event that affects the nutritional status of adults and elderly. Inpatients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a vulnerable group facing an increased risk of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of malnutrition in Algerian inpatients with non-communicable diseases in a public hospital in Skikda (Algeria). Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey carried out during one month from the 15th November 2020 to the 10th December 2020, with inpatients with at least one NCD (cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases). The assessment of their nutritional status was carried out using the Subjective Global Assessment tool (SGA). Results: One hundred and five patients were included. One of two patients had at least one non communicable disease. In our study, the SGA allowed us to estimate the malnutrition prevalence at 44.76% (ranks B and C: moderate and severe malnutrition). Our study showed a length of stay (LOS) of 4.14±7.69days. Conclusion: The considerable prevalence of malnutrition was, in part, due to reduced food intake and short LOS. In order to detect and prevent malnutrition, the nutritional status assessment must be included in the routine of health care in Algeria.