Nutritional information needs and search behaviors in argentine oncology patients

International scientific evidence highlights the growing need for nutritional information among oncology patients and their search behavior. However, in Argentina, the available information is limited.

To describe the need for nutritional information and search behaviors among Argentine oncology patients in 2023.

Non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional design. A non-probabilistic sampling was used, and adult cancer patients who voluntarily gave their consent participated. A questionnaire was applied to evaluate the importance, need for nutritional information, search behavior, and perceived information overload. Data collection was conducted in a mixed manner, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. A 95% confidence level was used.

A total of 500 patients participated; 87.2% (n=436) were women, and the most frequent diagnosis was breast cancer. 98% (n=490) emphasized the importance of receiving information about nutrition after diagnosis and during treatment, 91% (n=455) considered it a necessity, and 83.8% (n=419) reported having searched for information on this topic. This behavior was more frequent in patients with higher educational levels (p<0.05). The most consulted source was the internet, followed by doctors and nutritionists. 62% (n=310) agreed with the information overload regarding diet and cancer.

These findings underscore the importance of meeting this information need and training healthcare professionals who care for this patient group.