BAPEN Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool in Adults in the City of Vlora, Albania

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition, in all its forms, is a global problem and continues to be one of the greatest challenges facing our generation. ‘MUST’ is a five-step screening tool to identify adults, who are malnourished, at risk of malnutrition (undernutrition), or obese. Purpose: Evaluation of BMI, malnutrition and percentage of weight loss in the city of Vlora, Albania. Methodology: This is an exploratory study, carried out in the city of Vlora during May 20 - June 20, 2020, using the ‘MUST’ since data such as: height, weight and weight before 3-6 months, was obtained through the AFQPHALS Survey (Adult Food Quality and Physical Activity Level Survey), which was distributed online on social networks during May 17- 27, 2020 and completed by 545 adult subjects 18 years and older, including some Albanian cities with the predominance of the city of Vlora. Results & conclusions: Vlora constitute 55% part of the study sample; women 75%; with higher education 45% and master's degree 29%; full-time employees 38% and students 35%; 24% overweight, 9% obesity and 8% underweight; 73% has low risk, 16% has medium risk and 11% has high risk for malnutrition; 73% has not lost weight (0%). The high risk for malnutrition prevails in gender female, at higher education and master's level in students and full-time employees. Recommendations: Recognition and use of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool by the community, that is a free tool, easy and accessible for all to know and reduce malnutrition.