Prevalence of Undernutrition and Associated Factors among Adult Patients with a Clinical Diagnosis of Heart Failure at the Cardiology Clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital

Sadi Amri Sadi, Abeya Fardous Charles, Muhindo Rose, Kananura Keneth

Abstract: Background: Undernutrition is a common but often under-recognised complication among adult patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among adults with a clinical diagnosis of HF attending the cardiology clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 115 adult patients with clinical HF. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements and laboratory indices, including the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score. Factors associated with undernutrition were identified using modified Poisson regression analysis, and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results: Out of 115, most participants were female (58.3%) and from rural areas (75.6%), with a median age of 70 years (IQR 42-79). The prevalence of undernutrition was 66.1% (95% CI: 56.8-74.3), with 38.3% mild, 25.2% moderate, and 2.6% severe undernutrition. In multivariable analysis, age ≥70 years (aPR 1.38 (95% CI 1.01-1.99; p=0.041) and haemoglobin level≤12g/dl (aPR 1.84(95% CI 1.20-2.81; p=0.005) were independently associated with undernutrition. Use of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) was associated with a lower prevalence of undernutrition (aPR 0.45(95% CI 0.33-0.83; p

Keywords: HF; Undernutrition; CONUT score; GDMT; Uganda

How to Cite?: Sadi Amri Sadi, Abeya Fardous Charles, Muhindo Rose, Kananura Keneth, "Prevalence of Undernutrition and Associated Factors among Adult Patients with a Clinical Diagnosis of Heart Failure at the Cardiology Clinic of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 499-507, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26831222725, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26831222725

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