Assessment of nutritional risk in persons with mental health disorders admitted to the acute psychiatric inpatient unit: an Italian study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mental disorders can impact on several aspects of the person and therefore also on nutritional models; the literature shows that psychiatric persons are at risk of malnutrition, but the available studies are limited, particularly in Italy. AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of malnutrition by defect and metabolic syndrome in inpatients in an acute Psychiatric unit. To evaluate the characteristics and food habits of the sample. METHODS: Assessment of the risk of malnutrition (Mini Nutritional Assessment Scale) and Metabolic Syndrome (APTIII criteria) by administering a new scale to all persons aged 18+ at admission in two inpatient units of a major teaching hospital in Milan, Italy. FINDINGS: One Hundred one people were enrolled; 29.70% were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition by defect; Major Depressive Disorder, serum levels of albumin below range and low levels of appetite were significantly associated with malnutrition. 11.88% was suffering from Metabolic Syndrome, which was significantly associated with Psychotic Disorder, high levels of appetite and junk food consumption. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlighted the relevance of malnutrition in the psychiatric population and suggest the need for a systematic evaluation, in every clinical context as well as the key role of nurses.