Objective Malnutrition is a risk factor for pressure ulcers. The aim of this study was to describe the energy and protein intakes of hospitalised patients at risk of pressure ulcers and identify predictors of eating inadequately. Research Methods & Procedures An observational study was conducted in four wards at two hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Adult patients with restricted mobility were observed for 24 hours, and information such as oral intake and observed nutritional practices was collected. A chart audit gathered other demographics, clinical, anthropometric and dietary information. T-tests or one-way analysis of variance tests were used to identify differences in total energy and protein intakes. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine predictors of eating inadequately (i.e. intake of <75% of estimated energy and protein requirements). Results Mean energy and protein intakes of the 184 patients were 5917±2956kJ and 54±28g, respectively. Estimated energy and protein requirements were calculated for 93 patients. Only 45% (n=42) and 53% (n=49) met ≥75% of estimated energy and protein requirements, respectively. In multivariate analysis, patients on the renal ward were 4.1 and 4.6 times more likely to be eating inadequately for energy and protein, respectively (p<0.05). Patients who consumed any amount of oral nutrition support were 5.1 and 15.5 times more likely be eating adequately for energy and protein, respectively (p< 0.05). Conclusions Renal patients appear to be more likely to be eating inadequately, whilst any consumption of oral nutrition support seems to increase likelihood of eating adequately.Objective Malnutrition is a risk factor for pressure ulcers. The aim of this study was to describe the energy and protein intakes of hospitalised patients at risk of pressure ulcers and identify predictors of eating inadequately. Research Methods & Procedures An observational study was conducted in four wards at two hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Adult patients with restricted mobility were observed for 24 hours, and information such as oral intake and observed nutritional practices was collected. A chart audit gathered other demographics, clinical, anthropometric and dietary information. T-tests or one-way analysis of variance tests were used to identify differences in total energy and protein intakes. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine predictors of eating inadequately (i.e. intake of <75% of estimated energy and protein requirements). Results Mean energy and protein intakes of the 184 patients were 5917±2956kJ and 54±28g, respectively. Estimated energy and protein requirements were calculated for 93 patients. Only 45% (n=42) and 53% (n=49) met ≥75% of estimated energy and protein requirements, respectively. In multivariate analysis, patients on the renal ward were 4.1 and 4.6 times more likely to be eating inadequately for energy and protein, respectively (p<0.05). Patients who consumed any amount of oral nutrition support were 5.1 and 15.5 times more likely be eating adequately for energy and protein, respectively (p< 0.05). Conclusions Renal patients appear to be more likely to be eating inadequately, whilst any consumption of oral nutrition support seems to increase likelihood of eating adequately.