Nutritional status of post-stroke patients hospitalized in the Rehabilitation Department

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition is a very common phenomenon encountered in geriatric age. It is an adverse phenomenon leading to many complications. Malnutrition depends on many factors including the level of depression stage and the functional capacity of the subjects.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the degree of malnutrition in stroke survivors hospitalised in the Rehabilitation Unit.

Results: Malnutrition was found in 40% of subjects, more often among men (66.7%), 60% were at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition was more common among rural residents (55.6%) and those following a mush diet (60%). Functional impairment was defined as moderately severe in 80% of the subjects. Moderate memory impairment was present in 60% of the subjects, and a mild form was present in 25% of the subjects. A moderate form of depression was diagnosed in 40% of the subjects, a mild form in 35% of the subjects.

Conclusions:

1. Post-stroke complications associated with decrease of functional efficiency leads to the development of malnutrition.


2. A common complication after a stroke is depression.


3. The risk of malnutrition after stroke increases with age.


4. Cognitive impairment in post-stroke patients is a contributing factor to malnutrition.