Malnutrition Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes in Gynecology and Obstetric Patients

Abstract

Aim: Nutrition was a prerequisite for a healthy life, a basic human need, and a fundamental human right. The aim of this descriptive study is to examine the risk factors for malnutrition in obstetrics and gynecology patients and the relationship between malnutrition and clinical outcomes.

Subjects and Method: The research was carried out in a Gynecology and Obstetrics Branch Hospital between 30.10.2018 and 01.06.2022. The research sample consisted of patients who were assessed for malnutrition risk using the Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002) form during the specified dates and had severe risk of malnutrition in all of the patients (risk score of ≥3, case group, n=82). An equal number of patients with mild/moderate malnutrition risk (score=1 and 2) and patients without risk were randomly selected using a computerized randomization process. General health, obstetric, admission characteristics, and laboratory findings were compared between the groups. A statistical significance level of p<0.05 was accepted.

Results: According to NRS-2002, the mean malnutrition risk score scores were 0.64±0.8 in the mild/moderate malnutrition risk group and 3.71±0.90 in the severe malnutrition risk group. The median age and body mass index of the group with a severe risk were higher and lower, respectively (p<0.05). The median length of hospital stay, weight loss, occurrence of surgical procedures, presence of infection, and presence of an oncological diagnosis were significantly higher in the group with a severe risk of malnutrition group compared to the other groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: When evaluating women for malnutrition, care should be taken in case of age, length of hospital stay, weight loss, surgical procedure, presence of infection and oncological diagnosis. In case of impaired laboratory findings and normal body mass index value, it is important not to ignore the evaluation and to perform a comprehensive evaluation.