Nutritional indicators among patients with liver transplantation: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background and objective: The trouble of nutritional state is considered as a prophet of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced liver disease. The severity of nutritional disorder increases with diminished liver function. The aim of this study was to explore the nutritional indicators among patients with liver transplantation patients in Egypt.

Methods: Outlined is a descriptive cross-sectional research design using a convenience sampling of 210 patients following liver transplantation from the outpatient of transplantation centre the Mansura university Hospital, Wady el-Nile Hospital, International Military Medical centre, Almady Military Hospital. Data were collected using an adapted four parts tool that gathered sociodemographic data of patients; data about patient dietary habits and dietary balance and an assessment of patients physical and anthropometric measurements as nutritional predictor’s.

Results: There is a highly significant relation between nutritional status, gender and sociodemographic characteristics among patients with liver transplantation. As well, educational levels and occupation point to difference between physical and nutritional indicators parameter and sociodemographic characteristics. As well, high body mass indicators (BMI) vary between physical and nutritional indicator parameters.

Conclusions: There are noticeable needs for instructional schemes to be offered on simple media to increase awareness of patient’s nutritional requirements post transplantation. Implications for Nursing and Health policy: There is a growing demand for strategies and programs that take into consideration all the needs of liver transplantation patients. Efforts should be carried out to design and implement interventions that suit the patients following liver transplantation using simple media and suitable language.