ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY PRACTICES AMONG SEVERELY BURNED PATIENTS ADMITTED TO THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF THE ABIDJAN BURN CENTRE (CÔTE D'IVOIRE)

Abstract

Severe burn injuries represent a major public health concern because of their high morbidity and the profound metabolic disturbances they induce. Nutritional management plays a critical role in the prognosis of severely burned patients. This study aimed to assess the dietary practices of severely burned patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Abidjan Burn Center. A prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Abidjan Burn Center from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024. The study included 230 patients aged between 6 months and 86 years. Dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and a qualitative 24-hour dietary recall. Dietary diversity scores were determined according to age-specific international recommendations. Children under five years of age accounted for 37.4% of the study population. Burn injuries were predominantly thermal in origin (94.8%). Patients’ diets were mainly based on traditional meals, and exclusive oral feeding was observed in 80% of cases. Low dietary diversity was identified in more than two-thirds of patients across all age groups. Biologically, hypoalbuminemia and decreased hemoglobin levels were observed during hospitalization, particularly among patients who died. Severely burned patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Abidjan Burn Center exhibited low dietary diversity and received nutritional care that was insufficiently adapted to their increased nutritional requirements. Strengthening nutritional support and implementing standardized nutritional protocols could contribute to improving patient outcomes.