Impact of food insecurity and its influencing factors on the risk of malnutrition among COVID-19 patients

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287311
• Publication Date: 2023-06-15T17:58:56Z
• Authors: Ahlam Badreldin E...
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Severe Acute Malnutrition

Few studies focused on the impact of food insecurity severity risk malnutrition among COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia.This study described prevalence patients, its severity, and associated factors. Additionally, was determined. It is hypothesized that with an increased patients.A cross-sectional conducted Al Madinah Munawarah Arabia. Patients confirmed acute severe or nonsevere illness were enrolled. The Food Insecurity Experience Scale used to determine insecurity, assessed using Malnutrition Screening Tool. Demographic characteristics, history medical conditions, intake, body mass index (BMI) assessed.A total 514 enrolled, 391 (76%) having symptoms. A 14.2% suffered from insecurity. Of these, 17% had influenced by patients' education (P = 0.02, 95% CI 0.019-0.225), weight loss 0.0001, 0.252-0.752), appetite 0.293-0.604). Fifteen percent at malnutrition. Many obese symptoms 0.029, 0.02-0.539). 0.001, -0.056- -0.014), BMI 0.049, 0.000-0.042), employment status 0.034, 0.002-0.048).Food should be prevent adverse health outcomes.