The Prevalence of Malnutrition Based on the Anthropometric Variables in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Isfahan, Iran

Malnutrition is prevalent among patients undergoing hemodialysis, and a significant number of these people suffer from symptoms of malnutrition. Nevertheless, there are limited data regarding malnutrition based on the anthropometric assessment among these patients in Isfahan, Iran. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition based on anthropometric indicators in patients undergoing hemodialysis in Isfahan City.

The present descriptive multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted on 260 hemodialysis patients in Hojjatieh, Farabi, Zahraye Marzieh, Shariati, and Amin hospitals in Isfahan City in 2021. The weight, height, waist circumference (WC), and mid-arm muscle circumference of the patients who met the inclusion criteria were measured. Cut-off point for malnutrition index was determined based on previous studies conducted in Iran. The independent t-test was used to compare the mean difference of the studied indexes in two groups of men and women.

More than half of male subjects had low body mass index (BMI) (58.9%) and mid-arm muscle circumference (53%). In addition, the prevalence of low BMI (73.3%), WC (52%), and mid-arm muscle circumference (73%) was more than 50% among women.

A significant percentage of patients included in this study had an unfavorable nutritional status based on the anthropometric assessment. Therefore, regular nutritional assessment and taking necessary actions to prevent or treat malnutrition is necessary in hemodialysis patients.