Acceptance of low-sodium diet and nutritional status by hospitalized patients in the Public Hospital of Goiania

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20153902188194

Abstract

Hospital malnutrition is a global public health problem and it can reach up to 50% of the hospitalized individuals. The
inadequate intake of nutrients compromises the nutritional status of the patient and increases the prevalence of malnutri-
tion. The low-sodium diets are not well accepted by the hospitalized individuals, and the elimination or reduction of salt
determines its low acceptance. The present study aimed to verify the acceptance of the low-sodium diet by hospitalized
patients in the Public Hospital of Goiania, Goiás. This was a cross-sectional study with 33 adults and elderly patients of
both genders that on the day of evaluation received low-sodium diet. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Com-
mittee of the Emergency Hospital of Goiania (Protocol n° 049/09). The greatest number of patients were female (57.6%),
50% of the elderly were low weight. The meals served were considered as “good” by 69.7% of the population studied
and had a pleasant flavor for the 81.8% of the hospitalized. Through the technique of direct observation was evaluated the
acceptance of meals offered at lunch and dinner. The results revealed that in the two meals, most patients ingested less
than half (<1/2) of the offered portion. We concluded that despite that low ingestion, most individuals revealed that the
diet offered had taste and correct temperature and, therefore, had good acceptance. However, it has been suggested that
new techniques be tested and adapted to hospital food by using spices and salts of herbs, which enhance the flavor and
improve the palatability of diets.