Determinants Influencing Dietary Intake Among Hospitalized Patients: A Multidimensional Scoping Review

Hospitalized patients are at increased risk of malnutrition due to a variety of factors that influence their dietary intake. Understanding these determinants is essential for improving nutritional outcomes and recovery. This scoping review aims to map the breadth of literature on determinants affecting dietary intake among hospitalized patients from a multidimensional perspective, encompassing clinical, environmental, psychological, and institutional factors. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2010 and March 2025. Eligible studies included those that examined factors influencing oral dietary intake among adult inpatients. Studies focusing exclusively on parenteral or enteral nutrition were excluded. A thematic synthesis was conducted to categorize determinants into key domains. The identified determinants were grouped into five major domains: Physiological, Psychosocial, Environmental, Systemic and Organizational and Clinical Treatment Factors. The majority of studies highlighted the complex interaction between physical health, institutional practices, and patient perceptions as key influences on intake. Dietary intake in hospitalized patients is influenced by a complex interplay of multidimensional factors. Interventions aiming to optimize nutritional intake must address not only clinical needs but also institutional practices and patient-centred factors. Future research should prioritize integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to nutritional care in hospital settings.