EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECT OF POSTOPERATIVE GASTROINTESTINAL NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY IN NGAOUNDERE HOSPITALS, ADAMAWA REGION, CAMEROON

Abstract

Background and objective: Undernutrition is defined as an insufficient intake of nutritional foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological aspect of postoperative gastrointestinal nutritional deficiency in Ngaoundere Hospitals. Methods: It was a prospective, cross-sectional study with an analytical focus, over a 5-month period from July to November 2022. Undernutrition was defined by the presence of at least one phenotypic criteria plus one etiological criteria. Logistic regression for multivariate analyses, and the Chi-square test for univariate analyses, were used to identify the determinants of undernutrition. A difference was considered significant if p<0.05. Results: A total of 134 patients were included in the current study. Males were the most represented, with rates of 82.09%. The average age of patients was 36±17.78. Undernutrition at discharge was observed in 110 patients (82.09%). Endogenous risk factors associated with the occurrence of undernutrition were: Muslim religion, persistent symptoms, emergency surgery modality, nutritional grades, postoperative nausea, and diarrhea (p<0.0001); the protective one was minor surgery (p<0.0001). Exogenous risk factors for undernutrition included failure to meet carbohydrate, protein, and calorie targets on day-3 and at discharge (p<0.0001). Finally, in multivariate analysis, persistent symptoms (p=0.02), minor surgery (p=0.04), presence of diarrhea (p=0.01), and failure to meet caloric targets were independently associated with undernutrition at discharge. Conclusion: The incidence of post-digestive surgery undernutrition is relatively high in the 2 hospitals in Adamawa, Cameroon. It, therefore, requires early detection and management. Peer Review History: Received: 7 September 2023; Revised: 2 October; Accepted: 9 November, Available online: 15 November 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Dr. Owanaro Peter, Nigeria, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. owonaropeter@gmail.com