Relation of liquid-intake habits and nutritional status, dependency and quality of life in malnourished patients.

Introduction: Malnutrition and dehydration are common problems among older people that can be aggravated during hospitalization. Thus, assessing the nutritional status according to liquid-intake habits in malnourished patients after hospital discharge, and its impact on quality of life and dependency, could be interesting factors for the health clinic practice and follow-up. Objective: To assess differences in Body Mass Index (BMI), weight, malnutrition status, dependency and quality of life according to liquid-intake habits of malnourished patients after hospital discharge during a 2-month home follow-up. Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study in 88 patients (44 males) who presented malnutrition at their hospital discharge. Patients presented 72.28±11.84 years of age and were grouped according to their liquid intake: from 3 to 5 glasses (n=42), and over 5 glasses of liquid (n=46); estimated through the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire. The BMI, weight, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), dependency (Barthel questionnaire), and quality of life (Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12)) were assessed 2-months after discharge. Results: Significant differences (t test) were reported for BMI (p=0.001), weight (p 5 glasses compared with the 3-5 glasses intake. Conclusions: A higher liquid-intake habit could be associated with better nutritional status, dependency and quality of life, in malnourished patients after hospital discharge during their home follow-up.