INVESTIGATING THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF THE PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a global health issue, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality, arising from various causes, including viral hepatitis, alcohol misuse, autoimmune disorders, genetic factors, and toxin exposure.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of CLD patients.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional design was employed with 208 participants aged 20–45 years at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Simple random sampling was used for participant recruitment, and data were collected using demographic questionnaires, anthropometric measurements (BMI), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) for quality of life (QoL), and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) for malnutrition status. SPSS was used for analysis, with p<0.05 as the significance threshold.

RESULTS: The study found that most participants were aged 36–40 years, with an equal gender distribution. Females had poorer Quality of Life (QoL) than males. Physical activity and BMI showed no significant correlation with QoL, and half of the participants had a healthy weight. Dietary habits indicated balanced intake, with daily consumption of dairy, fruits, vegetables, meat, and tea, and cereals and oils consumed 2–3 times daily. The malnutrition indicator score revealed most patients were at risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition status was linked to BMI, QoL, and intake of cereals, dairy, fruits, and red meat, but not vegetables, vegetable oil, or tea. Further research on nutritional interventions is needed.

CONCLUSION: The study involved 36-40-year-olds, with equal gender distribution. Females reported poorer Quality of Life compared to males. Most had a healthy weight, and daily consumption of dairy, fruits, vegetables, meat, and tea. Malnutrition was associated with BMI, QoL, cereal intake, dairy, fruits, and meat. Further research on targeted nutritional interventions is recommended to improve QoL in this group.

KEY TERMS:  Chronic liver disease, CLD, Nutritional status, Quality of Life, QOL, Dietary habits, BMI, Physical activity level.