Nutritional status and eating perception in individuals institutionalized with sequels of leprosy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Knowing the nutritional status and eating perception of residents with leprosy sequel. METHODS: The evaluated population consisted of 40 former leprosy residents . To determine the nutritional status the BMI (Body Mass Index) for adults was used according to WHO (Wolrd Health Organization) , 1995 and 1997 for assessment of food intake (protein and calories) the eating record of 2 days. To determine the eating perception a questionnaire was applied with 15 residents that were keeping productive contact. Data were tabulated and analyzed using Software SPSS for Windows® version 17.0. RESULTS: 3 (7,5%) residents presented nutritional diagnosis of thinness level I ; 4 (10%) thinness level II; 2 (5%) thinness level III; 23 (57,5%) eutrophic; 6 (15%) pre obesity; and 2 (5%) residents with nutritional diagnosis of obesity level I . It was observed that the sum of resindents (25) with caloric adequacy over 110% and below 90% was superior than the number of residents (15) with caloric adequacy from 90 to 110% . The average percentage of proteic adequacy of 131,2 % . Regarding eating perception it was observed that 4(26,7%) have perception that they do not eat well; 13(86,7%) answered that their diet is enough; 8(53,3%) like the food offered in the institution; 9 (60%) eat exclusively the meals offered in the institution; 9(60%) not like to chew the food; 6(40,0%) like to be alone during meals. CONCLUSION: The results showed a worrying situation of nutritional risk. The association among the perceptions deserve to be valued by the health team and responsible for feeding. This knowledge could generate greater acceptance to the food offered. It is indispensable assistance aimed to minimize the marks, suffering and rejection left by the social stigma associated with leprosy.