Factors Associated With Post-stroke Nutritional Status in Stroke Survivors under Rehabilitation

Malnutrition is a common phenomenon in stroke survivors. However, the extent of malnutrition and their associated factors in stroke survivors are yet to be discovered. This study aims to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and the factors associated with it. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 169 stroke survivors in Terengganu, Malaysia. Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI). Malnutrition was defined either BMI <18.5 kg/m² for subjects <60 years or BMI <20.0 kg/m² for subjects ≥60 years. Multivariable logistic regression was performed. The prevalence of malnutrition was 8.9% (men 55.0%, 51.5% were 60 years or older, with a median age of 60.0 ± 14.0 years. Median BMI was 25.4 ± 7.2 kg/m². Age was significantly associated with good nutritional status (adjusted OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.17; p=0.004). However, it is not associated with gender, educational level, household income, smoking history, previous stroke, and post-stroke physical condition. Age is the most important determinant in nutritional status of stroke survivors.