The Overlooked Threat of Malnutrition: A Point Prevalence Study Based on NRS-2002 Screening in a Tertiary Care...

Background: Malnutrition is increasingly prevalent due to rising life expectancy, oncological cases, and chronic diseases. Early detection is crucial for rehabilitation, complication prevention, and cost reduction. However, nutritional support is often suboptimal. This study aimed to determine malnutrition prevalence and nutritional support status within our hospital. Methods: A point prevalence study was conducted in adult inpatient clinics (excluding pediatrics, infectious diseases, and intensive care) by a 12-member team following ethical approval. NRS-2002 scores, arm/calf circumferences, BMI, and laboratory data (albumin, leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, hemoglobin, CRP, creatinine) were assessed. Enteral and parenteral nutrition treatments were recorded. Patients with NRS-2002 scores ≥ 3 were classified as at risk of malnutrition. Results: Among 178 patients, 24.7% were at risk of malnutrition. Surgical clinics had a higher malnutrition risk (32.3%) than internal medicine clinics (20.3%). Only 27.1% of at-risk patients received nutritional support (surgical: 19%, internal medicine: 44%). Patients at risk of malnutrition exhibited significantly lower arm circumference (p: 0.000), calf circumference (p: 0.002), lymphocyte counts (p: 0.000), hemoglobin (p: 0.018), albumin (p: 0.001), and BMI (p: 0.038), as well as significantly higher age (p: 0.000) and CRP levels (p: 0.000). Conclusions: Nutritional support remains inadequate despite increased attention to malnutrition. Intensified nutrition education, particularly in surgical inpatient clinics, is needed to improve patient rehabilitation and outcomes.