AcTion: Aceh Nutrition Journal
Vol 11, No 2 (2026): June

Comparison of food waste using the PDAT and comstock methods in inpatients in Bengkulu

Repa Ghina Sonia (Politeknik Kesehatan Kementerian Kesehatan Bengkulu)
Betty Yosephin Simanjuntak (Politeknik Kesehatan Kementerian Kesehatan Bengkulu)
Desri Suryani (Politeknik Kesehatan Kementerian Kesehatan Bengkulu)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Jun 2026

Abstract

Food waste is an indicator of the quality of hospital nutritional services. A high percentage of waste indicates low patient intake and may affect the nutritional status and recovery. This study was conducted in May 2025 at Harapan Dan Doa Hospital, Bengkulu City, in the Safa, Marwah, and Mina wards, where food waste exceeded the standard (<20%). This study aimed to compare the Pictorial Dietary Assessment Tool (PDAT) and Comstock methods for measuring patient food waste. A descriptive cross-sectional design was applied to 50 inpatients selected through accidental sampling method. Data were collected through observation using both methods. The Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze differences, and sensitivity and specificity were assessed using cross-tabulation. The results showed no significant differences between the two methods across all food categories (p > 0.05). PDAT was considered more accurate because it uses photographs of meals before and after consumption, making the assessment more objective. Meanwhile, Comstock relies on visual estimates, which may introduce bias. Both methods had high sensitivity (>80%), indicating good agreement. In conclusion, the PDAT and Comstock tools are suitable for evaluating patient food waste and monitoring the quality of nutrition services in hospitals.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

an

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

AcTion: Aceh Nutrition Journal merupakan jurnal gizi dan kesehatan dengan E-ISSN 2548-5741 dan ISSN 2527-3310. Jurnal ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan dalam penyampaian hasil penelitian sebagai media yang dapat digunakan untuk meregistrasi, mendiseminasi, dan mengarsipkan karya peneliti ...