Female cancer survivors are more likely to be at high risk of malnutrition and meet the threshold for clinical importance for a number of quality of life subscales. Issue 5 (24th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Keaver, Laura; O'Callaghan, Niamh; O'Sullivan, Aoibheann; Quinn, Laoise; Loftus, Amy; McHugh, Catherine M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of human nutrition and dietetics. Volume 34:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 868
• Page End: 880
• Publication Date: 2021-03-24
• Subjects: cancer patient -- cancer survivor -- dynapenia -- malnutrition -- oncology care -- quality of life; Dietetics -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 613.205
• DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12877
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-3871

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The present study aimed to explore malnutrition risk, handgrip strength and quality of life (QOL) in cancer survivors. Methods: In total, 232 individuals completed a demographic questionnaire, Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30). Handgrip strength was determined using a spring‐loaded handgrip dynamometer and anthropometric measurements were taken by an oncology nurse. Frequencies and distribution data, analysis of variance and chi‐squared tests were then conducted. Results: The majority of the cohort were female ( n = 141; 60.8%) had breast cancer ( n = 62; 26.7%) and the mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) was 26.6 ± 6.2 kg m –2 . Less than a one‐third reported seeing a dietitian ( n = 68; 29.3%). Over one‐third reported recent weight loss ( n = 88; 37.3%). Some 40.9% ( n = 95) were at moderate to high risk of malnutrition, with women more likely than men to be classified as high risk ( p < 0.05). Mean ± SD handgrip strength was 25 ± 15 kg and this differed significantly by gender ( p = 0.00), cancer type ( p = 0.01) and BMI classification ( p = 0.01). One‐fifth of individuals were classified as having dynapenia ( n = 48; 21.1%). Median (interquartile range) QOL score was 66.7 (33.3). The proportion of individuals meeting the threshold for clinical importance for QOL subscales ranged from 12.5% (constipation) to 42.7% (physical functioning). Females were more likely than males to meet the threshold for physical functioning ( p = 0.00), fatigue ( p = 0.02) and pain ( p = 0.01). Conclusions: Females are more likely than males to be at high risk of malnutrition and meet the threshold for clinical significance for several QOL subscales. Abstract : Females living with and beyond cancer are more likely than males to be at risk of malnutrition and meet the threshold for clinical importance for a number of quality of life subscales.