Energy and Nutrient Intake in Ostomy Patients and Correlations With Anthropometric Variables: Results From a Reference Hospital in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Studies that assess the food intake and nutritional status of ostomy patients are scarce in the literature. However, such individuals have symptoms in the postoperative period that determine changes in the intake of calories and nutrients as well as anthropometric variables. OBJECTIVE: Estimate the energy and nutrient intake of ostomy patients and determine correlations with anthropometric variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with ostomy individuals in outpatient follow-up at a reference hospital for postoperative ostomy surgery in the city of Recife, Brazil. Demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, anthropometric, and dietary data were collected through interviews and from patient charts. Statistical analyses were performed with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 13.0 for Windows, with the level of significance set at 5% (P≤0.05). RESULTS: The sample was composed of 100 individuals (54% males) with a mean age of 55.1±15.4 years. Colostomy patients predominated (82%) and had a greater frequency of excess weight compared to ileostomy patients (86.36% versus 13.64%). Median intake was below the Estimated Average Requirements, especially for vitamins A, C, and E. Significant inverse correlations were found between carbohydrate intake and both arm circumference and triceps skinfold (P=0.0302 for each) and a positive correlation was found between protein intake and arm muscle circumference (P=0.0158) in male patients. CONCLUSION: The present study found significant correlations between macronutrient intake and anthropometric variables indicative of reserves of lean and adipose mass. Moreover, intake was below the recommended values according to sex and age group, especially with regards to vitamins.