Factors associated with malnutrition in hospitalized cancer patients: a croos-sectional study

Abstract

IntroductionThe incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide and with it the prevalence of malnutrition, which is responsible for the death of almost 20 % of cancer patients. The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with malnutrition in hospitalized cancer patients.MethodsCross-sectional study conducted with 277 hospitalized patients in the Institute of Integrative Medicine Prof. Fernando Figueira from March to November 2013. The nutritional status was classified as well-nourished and moderate/severe malnutrition, according to the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment. The association between moderate/severe malnutrition and demographic, behavioral, socioeconomic, clinical, therapeutic and nutritional variables was investigated through univariate regression and hierarchical Poisson models, with a 5 % significance level.ResultsThe prevalence of malnutrition was 71.1 %, being classified as moderate in 35.4 % and severe in 35.7 %. After multivariate analysis, smokers/ex-smokers low socioeconomic status, performance status ≥2 and age ≥60 years were associated with increased risk of malnutrition.ConclusionThere was observed a high prevalence of moderate/severe malnutrition in cancer patients, with the increased risk of malnutrition associated with the presence of factors that can be assessed during hospital admission suggesting a higher alert of the medical and health care staff about the need for nutritional assessment and intervention.

Malnutrition in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung

“…The other factors that may be related to malnutrition are among others smoking, reduced functional capacity, and low socio-economic status. 10 Furthermore, anorexia is the most common form of gastrointestinal changes that is experienced by NHL patients in this study (62.8%). This condition decreases patients' food intake that may cause nutrient deficiencies.…”

Nutritional experiences in head and neck cancer patients

“…The majority of the participants were hospitalised about halfway through radiotherapy, and tube‐feeding was then initiated. Since patients with HNC are at a high risk of malnutrition already from diagnosis, specific nutritional strategies are required to minimise the negative consequences of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy (Hebuterne et al, ; Silva, de Oliveira, Souza, Figueroa, & Santos, ; Weimann et al, ). Specialised nutrition competencies and skills are needed to make early detections of patients in need of nutritional support and to assess and initiate relevant nutritional support.…”

Hand Grip Strength and nutritional status in hospitalized oncological patients

“…Malnutrition has a high incidence in cancer patients [3] and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality [5,6]. Nutritional deficits have a direct impact on reducing the response to cancer treatment and the loss of functional capacity and the consequent inability to perform daily activities are factors related to the decrease in cancer patients' quality of life [10,12].…”

“…It is among the leading causes of death in the world [2]. Malnutrition is common in cancer patients and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity [3]. The etiology of malnutrition in these patients is wide and involves anorexia, activation of the systemic inflammatory system, changes in metabolism, and increased energy expenditure.…”