P971 - AT HOME AND AT RISK? NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PATIENTS UNDER HOME CARE IN COLOMBIA.

P971

AT HOME AND AT RISK? NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PATIENTS UNDER HOME CARE IN COLOMBIA.

D. López¹, M. A. Martínez-Agudelo², M. Londoño-Pereira¹, A. Rivera-Jaramillo¹, R. A. Merchan-Chaverra¹, Y. Cuellar-Fernandez¹, M. C. Gomez-Univio¹, L. Ahumada-Ossa¹, C. Posada-Alvarez¹, P. Savino-Lloreda^1,*

¹Centro Latinoamericano de Nutrición (CELAN), Chia, ²Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia

Rationale: Disease-related malnutrition (DRM) is a condition with a significant impact on patient morbidity and mortality across all levels of care. However, information about its prevalence in Colombia is limited. This study aimed to describe the frequency of DRM among patients receiving home care in Colombia.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Demographic, clinical, and nutritional data were collected from home care patients in six Colombian cities. The diagnosis and severity of malnutrition were determined using the GLIM criteria. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted on the variables.

Results: A total of 1,024 patients were included (58.2% women), with a median age of 82 years (interquartile range: 66–89 years). Neurological (54.4%) and pulmonary (9.1%) diseases were the most common conditions. The oral route (83.5%) was the main method of intake. Overall, 61.6% (95% CI: 58.6 to 64.6%) presented with DRM (moderate: 46.6%, severe: 53.4%). Weight loss was greater in the malnourished group compared to the non-malnourished group (–2.2±13.7% vs. +1.4±8.0%; p<0.00). Body weight (48.7±11.6 kg vs. 62.2±16.2 kg; p<0.00), body mass index (19.7±0.2 kg/m² vs. 24.9±5.7 kg/m²; p<0.00), calf circumference (26.1±4.2 cm vs. 29.8±4.9 cm; p<0.00), and arm circumference (23.0±3.8 cm vs. 28.1±5.3 cm; p<0.00) were significantly lower in the malnourished group, particularly among women. Muscle mass depletion on physical examination was identified in 78.9% of patients. Although statistically significant differences in energy (18.5±7.1 kcal/kg vs. 20.3±7.8 kcal/kg; p<0.00) and protein intake (0.84±0.37 g/kg vs. 0.91±0.41 g/kg; p<0.00) were found between the malnourished and non-malnourished groups, these differences were not considered clinically relevant.

Conclusion: DRM is a common condition among patients receiving home care in Colombia. It is essential to prioritize and implement nutritional care processes in this population.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared