Objective: This study was to identify the prevalence of malnutrition in patients admitted to gastroenterology and endocrinology ward in Bach mai hospital.

Methods: 308 patients admitted to a gastroenterology and endocrinology ward were enrolled in the investigation. Anthropometric measurements were taken and dietary intake was assessed by 24-h recall method of the previous day. The subjects were regarded as being malnourished using anthropometry method when body mass index <18.5 or using Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) for patients at the age of less than 65 years and using Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA) for patients more than 65 years of age.

Results: The prevalence of undernutrition using anthropometry (BMI<18.5) was 25.2%, higher in gastroenterology patients than that in endocrinology patients (28.9% vs. 21.7%). The prevalence of overweight (BMI≥23) was 19.9%, higher in endocrinology ward than that in gastroenterology ward (24.8% vs. 14.8%). Using SGA methodology, the prevalence of malnutrition was 13.4% and 58.5% while using MNA methodology, it was 31.6% and 68.4% for patients in endocrinology and gastroenterology ward, respectively. The energy intake was 1606 kcal for patients in endocrinology ward and percentage of energy intake from protein was 18%, from lipid was 22% and from carbohydrates was 60%. Energy intake of patients in gastroenterology wards was 1100 kcal.

Conclusions: Malnutrition and overweight were frequent in patients admitted to endocrinology and gastroenterology ward. SGA and MNA seemed to be useful to assess malnutrition status  of the patients. Dietary intake of patients in the gastroenterology ward was low, attention to nutrition care for hospitalized patients therefore should be paid.