INTEGRATING NUTRITIONAL CARE INTO NURSING PRACTICE: ADVANCING PUBLIC HEALTH OUTCOMES IN CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Background:

Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension are the chronic diseases that continue to be the primary causes of morbidity and mortality across the world. Nutrition is essential for prevention and management of these diseases but is mostly not given a significant position in healthcare systems. Nurses, being the frontline healthcare workers, are in an optimal position to incorporate nutritional care into practice to enhance patient health outcomes and promote public health.

Objective:

The aim of this research was to assess the influence of incorporating nutrition care in nursing practice on chronic disease control and determining the effectiveness of its use in enhancing patient outcomes and population health indicators.

Methodology:

A mixed-method cross-sectional study was carried out among 300 chronic disease patients and 500 nurses working in five tertiary hospitals. The data were collected through structured questionnaires, patient health records, and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed with the help of SPSS using descriptive and inferential statistics, whereas thematic analysis was used for qualitative data.

Results:

Results showed that the patients who received nutritional education from nurses had significantly enhanced dietary compliance (p < 0.01), improved clinical outcomes with decreased BMI and blood glucose, and greater self-reported quality of life than the routine care patients. Nurses had increased confidence in providing nutritional care, though issues like having inadequate time, no resources, and lack of training were reported.

Conclusion:

Including nutritional care in nursing practice enhances public health and chronic disease management. Nurse education, resource availability, and policy enhancement are needed to enhance the benefits of nutritional care in healthcare systems.