Objectives: To assess the nutritional status and demand for nutritional counseling among outpatients at Bu Dop district Medical Center.
Research methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 outpatients aged 18 and older at Bu Dop district Medical Center, Binh Phuoc province, from November 2024 to February 2025. Use a structured interview questionnaire that includes demographic characteristics and questions assessing nutritional status and need for nutrition counseling.
Findings: The study found that 21.9% of participants were overweight or obese, while 8.6% were malnourished. Additionally, 59.4% of participants expressed a desire to receive nutritional counseling during their visit. The findings also indicated that males and individuals from ethnic minority groups had a higher prevalence of nutritional issues compared to females and the Kinh ethnic group PR = 0.8, 95%CI = 0.5-0.9, p = 0.005; and PR = 1.8, 95%CI = 1.4-1.9, p = 0.002, respectively.
Conclusion: It is essential to evaluate and screen for nutritional issues among outpatients and to strengthen public awareness campaigns to encourage the utilization of nutritional counseling services when needed.