Abstract

Introduction: Nutrition is important to prevent diseases caused by insufficient nutrition and favors quality of life by enhancing functionality. Nutrition and diet were considered as components of quality of life definition in the past.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to assess effects of enteral product support on quality of life in underweight adults.

Methods: The study was conducted at Internal Medicine Department of our hospital. The study included 40 patients (aged 18-35) who presented with underweight and had body mass index (BMI)<18.5 between October, 2017 and March, 2018. All patients, sociodemographic characteristics were recorded and thay completed SF-12 test for quality of life. Laboratory tests were ordered for etiology of underweight. Standard enteral product was prescribed to patients without organic pathology and patients were re-assessed on 3rd month. Bioelectric impedance analyses (BIA) were performed at baseline and after treatment. The relation between age, BMI, BIA parameters and SF-12 test scores were evaluated.

Results: The study was conducted on 40 patients including 32 women (80%) and 8 men (20%). Mean age was 22.8 ± 4.3 years (range: 18-35). Significant differences were detected in both physical (PCS12) and mental health (MCS12) components measured at 1 and 3 month. The difference was 6 points in PCS12 and 13 points in MCS12. The SF-12 can be a valid marker to assess and monitor health status. According to our study findings, nutritional support in young adults with BMI<18.5 has a positive effect on quality of life.

Keywords: SF-12; Nutrition; Quality of life