https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7478-0113
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Abstract
Background and Aims
Many patients require long-term nutrition support, typically in the form of home nutrition support (HNS). The availability and utilisation of HNS in Saudi Arabia is currently unknown; therefore, this study was conducted to assess the availability of HNS in Saudi hospitals and to explore factors associated with the availability of HNS in different healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians, dietitians, and pharmacists working in Saudi Arabia with regular practice in nutrition support. Data was collected through self-administered web-based survey, which was distributed via social-media platforms.
Results
A total of 114 responses were received from healthcare providers involved in nutrition support across Saudi Arabia. Of the respondents, 55 (48.2%) indicated that nutrition support services were available at their facility. Regression analysis showed that other regions in Saudi Arabia had lower odds of having HNS compared with the Western region (OR=0.01; 95% CI=0.01–0.69). The university and specialised hospitals had lower odds of having HNS compared with Ministry of Health hospitals (OR=0.11; 95% CI=0.02−0.71, OR=0.11; 95% CI=0.02−0.56, respectively). Hospitals with capacities of 100–250 beds and 251–500 had higher odds of having HNS than smaller hospitals (OR=13.17; 95% CI=1.09–159.5, OR=3.11; 95% CI=2.04–248.77, respectively).
Conclusion
There is lack of published reports from hospitals with implemented HNS. Therefore, it is difficult to assess the current situation of HNS programmes. Future national studies focusing on HNS are warranted as there is a rising international trend in the number of patients requiring HNS.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank all the healthcare professionals who kindly agreed to participate in the study. We would also like to thank the expert panel for their effort and time in revising the questionnaire and for providing helpful feedback. We would like to thank Dr. Hani Jawa and Dr. Rania Malatani for their help in the data collection.
Author Contributions
The authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.