Prevalence and Predictors of Malnutrition Risk among Post-Stroke Patients in Outpatient Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The present study examined the prevalence and predictors of malnutrition risk among post-stroke patients.

Methods: Post-stroke patients who attended the outpatient clinics in three hospitals of Peninsular Malaysia were enrolled in the study. The risk of malnutrition was assessed using the Malnutrition Risk Screening Tool-Hospital. Data including demographic characteristics, clinical profiles, dietary nutrients intake, body mass index (BMI) and hand grip strength were collected during the survey. The crude odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) were reported for univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, respectively.

Results: Among 398 patients included in the study, 40% were classified as high-risk for malnutrition. In the multivariable logistic regression, tube feeding (AOR: 13.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.22-53.77), loss of appetite (AOR: 8.15, 95% CI: 4.71-14.12), unemployment (AOR: 4.26, 95% CI: 1.64-11.12), wheelchair-bound (AOR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.22-4.09) and BMI (AOR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.82-0.93) were found to be significant predictors of malnutrition risk among stroke patients.

Conclusion: The risk of malnutrition is highly prevalent among post-stroke patients. Routine nutritional screening, identification of risk factors, and continuous monitoring of dietary intake and nutritional status are highly recommended even after the stroke patient is discharged.