Journal of Nepal Medical Association (Nov 2022)

Malnutrition among Cancer Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

  • Anuj K.C.,
  • Bishnu Dutta Poudel,
  • Ramila Shilpakar,
  • Sudip Thapa,
  • Rajiv Sharma,
  • Bibek Acharya,
  • Sandhya Chapagain,
  • Ambuj Karn,
  • Saugat Poudel,
  • Bishal Paudel

DOI
https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.7616
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 60, no. 255

Abstract

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Introduction: Malnutrition is one of the most frequent disorders among cancer patients. It is seen in 50-90% of cancer patients. This high prevalence of malnutrition is very concerning as it is associated with reduced effective treatment, functional status, quality of life and survival. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of malnutrition among cancer patients in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 95 cancer patients in the Department of Clinical Oncology of a tertiary care centre from 25 January 2022 to 25 July 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 1192/2078/79). Convenience sampling was done. Patients were screened using Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment for malnutrition. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Among 95 cancer patients, 22 (23.15%) (15.10-32.90, 95% Confidence Interval) were malnourished. Conclusions: The prevalence of malnutrition was found to be lower than in other studies done in similar settings. Nutritional assessment and support should be an integral part of care for gastrointestinal cancer.

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