A Cross-Sectional Study: Association Between Nutritional Quality and Cancer Cachexia, Anthropometric Measurements,...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nutritional Science
• Psychological Health

Background:

• Cancer significantly impacts patients' nutritional status and psychological well-being.
• Malnutrition is a common complication in cancer patients, affecting treatment outcomes.
• Understanding the interplay between nutritional status, nutrient intake, and psychological symptoms is crucial for comprehensive cancer care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the nutritional status of patients with lung and gastrointestinal cancers.
• To evaluate the association between nutritional status, anthropometric measurements, and nutrient intake.
• To examine the relationship between nutritional status and psychological symptoms in cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 180 cancer patients.
• Data collection via questionnaires including Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), Cachexia Assessment Criteria, 24-hour Food Consumption Records, and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R).
• Anthropometric measurements were also collected.

Main Results:

• Lower Body Mass Index (BMI) and calf circumference were observed in malnourished patients (SGA-B, SGA-C).
• Energy and protein intake were significantly reduced in malnourished patients.
• Micronutrient intake (vitamins, minerals) was lower in malnourished groups; only phobic anxiety was higher in moderately malnourished patients.

Conclusions:

• Increased malnutrition severity correlates with reduced nutrient intake and poorer anthropometric measurements in cancer patients.
• Psychological symptoms, apart from phobic anxiety, did not significantly differ with malnutrition levels.
• Early dietitian referral for all cancer patients, irrespective of disease stage, is recommended to manage nutritional status.