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Abstract Background Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a relatively prevalent problem among adult haemodialysis patients (HDP). PEW is an important determinant of morbidity and mortality in HDP, therefore it is essential for dietitians to accurately assess malnutrition (MN) in these patients. HDP appear to be more susceptible to developing MN; however, this is not well documented. Therefore this study aimed to assess the nutritional status among HDP and to establish the factors associated with MN in these patients. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Nablus, northern West Bank, in the main haemodialysis (HD) centre at the An-Najah National University Hospital. MN was detected using the malnutrition-inflammation scale (MIS), which involved four major elements: the patient’s related medical history, their body mass index, a physical examination and laboratory parameters. Results A total of 174 patients (91 male) were included in the study. Patients were aged 57.7 ± 12.8 years, and the median dialysis vintage was 3 years (interquartile range 1–5 years). HDP, especially the elderly (unstandardized coefficient β, 1.728; 95% CI, 0.700 to 2.756; P = 0.001), those with multiple comorbid diseases (unstandardized coefficient β, 1.673; 95% CI, 0.556 to 2.789; P = 0.004); those taking multiple chronic medications (unstandardized coefficient β, 1.259; 95% CI, 0.197 to 2.321; P = 0.020), or those with a long dialysis vintage (unstandardized coefficient β, 1.449; 95% CI, 0.410 to 2.487; P = 0.007), were positively associated with the MIS score in a multivariable linear regression model. Furthermore, HDP living with their family were negatively associated with the MIS score (unstandardized coefficient β, − 2.545; 95% CI, − 4.738 to − 0.352; P = 0.023). Conclusions The MIS score results indicate that MN is prevalent among HDP. These results demonstrate some correlations between nutritional status and patient characteristics (i.e. clinical and sociodemographic factors). Therefore these findings should help to increase the awareness of healthcare providers for interventions to enhance the nutritional status of HDP, especially those who are elderly, have multiple comorbid diseases, have multiple chronic medications, have experienced a long dialysis vintage or who live alone.