P961 - PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION RISK FACTORS AND GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS IN PRIMARY CARE: INSIGHTS FROM THE GERMAN NUTRITIONDAY PILOT STUDY

P961

PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION RISK FACTORS AND GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS IN PRIMARY CARE: INSIGHTS FROM THE GERMAN NUTRITIONDAY PILOT STUDY

M. Diercks-Frank^1,*, S. Tarantino², M. Hiesmayr², A. Schartmann², L. Valentini¹, M. Pirlich³

¹Dept. of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Section of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany, ²Center for Medical Data Science, Institute of Medical Statistics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, ³German Society of Nutritional Medicine (DGEM), Berlin, Germany

Rationale: The nutritionDay (nDay) initiative is a global benchmarking program aimed at raising awareness of malnutrition. This pilot study investigates for the first time the prevalence of malnutrition risk factors and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in primary care (PC) settings in Germany.

Methods: Data were collected in 2 general practices in Berlin, involving 4 general practitioners and 1 endocrinologist. Patients were recruited between 11–12.2022. The nDay questionnaire, adapted for PC settings, assessed demographic characteristics, weight changes, dietary intake, GI symptoms and mobility. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS using Fisher-exact test.

Results: Overall, 248 patients were included (43% ≥ 60 yrs, 68% female, main ICD diagnoses: E00–90 (26%, n=79), Z00–99 (14%, n=43), I00–99 (12%, n=38)). According to WHO BMI classification, 53% (n=129) were normal weight, 43% (n=105) overweight, and 5% (n=11) were underweight. Unintentional weight loss within 3 months was reported by 13% (n=32), with a higher prevalence among older adults (p=0.031). Reduced dietary intake in the last week (≤ 50% of the usual intake) was reported by 6% (n=16).  Polypharmacy (> 5 medications/day) was observed in 7% (n=18). GI symptoms were common (42%, n=105), particularly bloating (21%, n=51) and xerostomia (16%, n=39). Xerostomia was associated with polypharmacy (p<0.001). A significant difference was found between ongoing and planned nutrition therapy (p<0.001). The proportion of patients receiving normal food at nDay decreased by 8%, while the prescription of specialized diets (+5.2%) and fortified foods (+1.6%) increased. No enteral or parenteral nutrition was planned or initiated.

Conclusion: This study highlights the high burden of GI symptoms in PC and emphasizes the need for routine nutritional screening to identify and address malnutrition risks and GI symptoms effectively.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared