Eco-efficiency and demand of enteral diets used in patients of a brazilian public hospital before and during the covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the Eco-efficiency (EE) and demand for enteral diets used in adult (EDA) patients of a Brazilian public hospital before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection occurred in two moments: (1) from April 2019 up to March 2020; (2) from April 2020 to March 2021. Data on food EDA composition was obtained from labels. For the EE calculations, the variables considered were total consumption, energy and financial values of EDA, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, also considering their origin (manufacturing place). The statistical analysis consisted of total values, averages, and Pearson's Correlation test application. Eight of the 17 types of EDA used in the hospital during the pandemic period represented 95.4% of the total consumption during the investigation. The eight EDA nutritional values in both periods ranged from 1.000 to 2.400 kcal. The distance in kilometers (km), considering the distance from the origin of the EDA to the destination, ranged from 1.137 to 11.751 km. More than 60% (n = 5) of the EDA is produced in Brazil. Considering EDA energy value, one single item from Germany (HPxF) represented 63.27% of the total energy of all items. Regarding EE, the worst results associated with GHG generation were from imported products, while in the financial aspect, a Brazilian product had the worst result. Environmental impacts also occur in the provision of health services, and this study proved it with the application of the EE of EDAs used during the COVID-19 pandemic.