Assessment of Nutritional Status in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients in Chad: A Cross-Sectional Study at the Renaissance University Hospital in N’Djamena

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem, particularly in Chad, where its incidence is four times higher than in developed countries. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of chronic hemodialysis patients and identify associated risk factors at the Renaissance University Hospital in N’Djamena, Chad. In this cross-sectional study, 17 patients underwent nutritional assessment using anthropometric measurements (BMI) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF). Hypertension and diabetes were the main causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), accounting for 58.8% and 29.4% of cases, respectively. The average treatment duration was 10 years. Notably, 23.5% of patients experienced weight loss between 1 and 3 kg. According to the MNA-SF, 47% of patients were malnourished (score < 17), 41.2% were at risk of malnutrition (score 17 - 23.5), and 11.8% had a satisfactory nutritional status (score ≥ 24). Systematic nutritional monitoring is essential to prevent health deterioration in CKD patients. Dietary management represents a critical component of the treatment plan for hemodialysis patients.