Investigating the Quality of Life and Nutritional Status in Patients with Esophageal Cancer - a Cross-sectional Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Cancer Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

4 Department of Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

5 Department of Nutrition, Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

6 Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

7 Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

8 Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

9 Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional problems can lead to the deterioration of the quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the quality of life and nutritional status of patients with esophageal cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2015 to February 2016 on newly diagnosed patients with esophageal cancer. Demographic and disease-related data were asked. The EORTC Core Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) assessed quality of life and evaluated nutritional status by the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) questionnaire, anthropometric indices, dietary intake, and laboratory tests. Physical performance was assessed by handgrip strength and the Karnofsky performance scale. Result: In the study, 124 esophageal cancer patients were included. The mean age was 66.84±11.95. The mean physical function was 79.67±25.78, and the emotional function was 65.50 ± 26.02. Their average PGSGA score was 13.15± 5.79, and 94% scored >3. More than half of the cases had moderate to severe weight loss. There was a significant difference in the mean score of different dimensions of QoL, except cognitive function, in the patients with severe and non-severe malnutrition. Also, there was a significant relationship between anorexia with financial (p=0.016) and role function (p= 0.028); living place with emotional Function (p=0.012) and social Function (p=0.001); dysphagia with Physical Function(p=0.039); and global Function (p<0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between different aspects of QoL and malnutrition in esophageal cancer patients. Therefore, these patients need nutritional intervention to improve their nutritional status and QoL.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 12 March 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 04 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 12 March 2025

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