Determinants of Inadequate Calories Intake among Hospitalized Patients at Muhimbili National Hospital. A Cross-sectional Study in Dar es Salaam - Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract Background: Inadequate calories intake during hospitalization is strongly related to poor patient outcomes including the risk for malnutrition, infections, longer hospital stay, morbidity and mortality. In low-income settings, factors associated with inadequate calories intake among hospitalized patients are not sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study was to assess the determinants of inadequate calories intake among hospitalized patients at a tertiary referral hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among hospitalized patients at Muhimbili National Hospital between 4th April and 28th May, 2022. A random sampling method and an interviewer-administered questionnaire were employed to recruit respondents and to collect data, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed with the help of Stata 15.0. and factors associated with inadequate calories intake were determined using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 229 hospitalized patients were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) age was 45.0 (16.3), and the majority 156 (68.1%) were from the medical ward. The median duration of hospitalization was 5 (IQR = 4-7) days, and the proportion of respondents with inadequate calories intake was 15%. Factors significantly associated with inadequate calories intakes were older patients (aged 55 years and above) (AOR: 3.936; 95% CI: 1.614, 9.598; p <0.003), male patients (AOR: 6.835; 95% CI: 2.733, 17.098; p <0.001), and residing in rural areas (far from the hospital) (AOR: 3.350; 95% CI: 1.401, 8.011; p = 0.007). Conclusions: A considerable proportion of respondents had inadequate calories intake. Nutritional assessment and support are needed to address inadequate calories intake among hospitalized patients, with considerations of patients who are older, male, and those whose residence is far away from the hospital.