Malnutrition: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Evolutionary Aspects of Patients Hospitalized in the Internal Medicine Department of Donka National Hospital
Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, and evolutionary aspects of malnutrition in the Internal Medicine Department of Donka National Hospital. Methodology: We conducted a descriptive study with prospective and dynamic data collection over a period of six (6) months from December 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025. This study concerned all patients hospitalized in the Internal Medicine department of the Donka National Hospital, in whom the diagnosis of malnutrition was retained using tools such as the MNA (Mini Nutrition Assessment) and/or weight loss > 5% in 1 month, or >10% in 6 months, BMI < 18 kg/m2, albuminemia < 30 g/l, without distinction of sex and origin, with an age > 17 years during our study period. Results: We collected data on 694 patients, including 151 cases of malnutrition, representing 21.76%. The average age was 64.6 years ± 16.1 years, with extremes ranging from 17 to 104 years, and the predominant age group being 60 - 79 years (45.7%). Most were male. The female population had a sex ratio of 0.63. The majority of our patients were housewives (27.15%), followed by farmers and retirees, most of whom came from rural areas. Married individuals were the most represented, followed by widowers. In our study, we observed that moderate malnutrition predominated (80.1%), with weight loss being the primary reason for consultation. Patients had a BMI of 17 kg/m2, and parenteral nutrition was the predominant form of nutrition (58.3%), followed by oral nutrition (41.7%). Weight improvement compared to admission in 1 month was 85.4%. Conclusion: Malnutrition is a frequent complication in the Internal Medicine department and primarily affects elderly patients, with a mean age of 64.6 years ± 16.1 years and a female predominance. Early etiological diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are essential to improve the clinical condition of malnourished patients.
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