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Published in: Medical Oncology 2/2021

01-02-2021 | Nutrition | Original Paper

Quality of life, symptoms and dietary habits in oncology outpatients with malnutrition: A cross-sectional study

Authors: Mira Sonneborn-Papakostopoulos, Clara Dubois, Viktoria Mathies, Mara Heß, Nicole Erickson, Thomas Ernst, Jutta Huebner

Published in: Medical Oncology | Issue 2/2021

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Abstract

Cancer-related malnutrition has a high prevalence, reduces survival and increases side effects. The aim of this study was to assess oncology outpatients and risk of malnutrition. Reported symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in patients found to be at risk of malnutrition or malnourished were compared to patients without malnutrition. Using a standardized questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Questionnaire for Quality of Life and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), patients in an outpatient cancer clinic undergoing chemotherapy treatment at a German University Hospital were assessed for nutrition, risk of malnutrition and quality of life. Based on the MNA, 39 (45.9%) patients were categorized as malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Loss of appetite (n = 37.6%, p < 0.001) and altered taste sensation (n = 30,3%, p < 0.001) were the symptoms most frequently associated with reduced food intake. Patients with risk of malnutrition scored lower on the global health status (n = 48.15%, p = 0.001). Side effects of cancer treatments lead to a higher risk of malnutrition and as a consequence lower QoL. These side effects should be addressed more efficiently in cancer care.
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Metadata
Title
Quality of life, symptoms and dietary habits in oncology outpatients with malnutrition: A cross-sectional study
Authors
Mira Sonneborn-Papakostopoulos
Clara Dubois
Viktoria Mathies
Mara Heß
Nicole Erickson
Thomas Ernst
Jutta Huebner
Publication date
01-02-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Medical Oncology / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 1357-0560
Electronic ISSN: 1559-131X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-021-01460-7

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