Nutritional intakes of patients at risk of pressure ulcers in the clinical setting.

OBJECTIVE

Malnutrition is a risk factor for pressure ulcers. The aim of this study was to describe the energy and protein intakes of hospitalized patients at risk for pressure ulcers and to identify predictors of eating inadequately.

METHODS

An observational study was conducted in four wards at two hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Adult patients with restricted mobility were observed for 24 h, and information such as oral intake and observed nutritional practices was collected. A chart audit gathered other demographic characteristics, clinical, anthropometric, and dietary information. t Tests or one-way analysis of variances were used to identify differences in total energy and protein intakes. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine predictors of eating inadequately (i.e., intake of <75% of estimated energy and protein requirements).

RESULTS

Mean energy and protein intakes of the 184 patients were 5917 ± 2956 kJ and 54 ± 28 g, respectively. Estimated energy and protein requirements were calculated for 93 patients. Only 45% (n = 42) and 53% (n = 49) met ≥ 75% of estimated energy and protein requirements, respectively. In multivariate analysis, patients on the renal ward were 4.1 and 4.6 times more likely to be eating inadequately for energy and protein, respectively (P < 0.05). Patients who consumed any amount of oral nutrition support were 5.1 and 15.5 times more likely be eating adequately for energy and protein, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Renal patients are more likely to be eating inadequately, although any consumption of oral nutrition support seems to increase likelihood of eating adequately.