Assessment of nutritional intake in intensive care unit patients of Ghaem hospital

disease related malnutrition lead to increased infections, delayed healing, prolonged hospital stay, increased hospital costs and death. One of the several factors implicated in the etiology of malnutrition is sub-optimal food intake during hospitalization. The aim of present study was to investigate the nutritional intake of intensive care unit patients. This cross sectional study was conducted over a period of one day. Questionnaire containing demographic information, anthropometric measurements, and nutrition type and nutrition line for patients was completed. Ideal body weight was calculated by patient's height that was estimated based on the ulna length. Energy and protein requirements were calculated by using the equation 25-30 kcal / kg and 1-1.5 g / kg, respectively, for ideal body weight. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 16 and t-test (P≤0.05). Descriptive statistics was carried out for qualitative and quantitative variables. 46 subjects aged 18-89 (59±20.5) years participated in this study. Mean of hospital stay was 20.2 ± 27.2. Energy and protein intake of enteral patient was significantly (P≤0.05) differ with energy and protein requirements. Only 50% of oral intake patient ate all of their lunch meal. Gavage solution prepared in the hospital was insufficient to meet the energy requirements of patients but provide more than the need of protein requirements. 50% of oral intake patients were ate less than half of their meals provided.