Association of malnutrition and low quality of life among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, Palestine

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes and reduced quality of life among cancer patients. Although the number of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy has increased in Palestine, there has been limited research on the relationship between malnutrition and quality of life. Aims: To determine the relationship between nutritional status and quality of life of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at Al-Hussein Governmental Hospital in Biet-Jala, Palestine. Methods: This cross-sectional study included all the patients receiving chemotherapy between 2018 and 2019. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements and biochemical data retrieved from the participating patients’ files. The clinical assessment of malnutrition was done using the Subjective Global Assessment, and quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire version 3. Results: One hundred patients (79 female, 21 male) were included in the final analysis. The results revealed that 25% of the patients were severely malnourished, and 42% were mildly to moderately malnourished. There was a significant relationship between malnutrition and quality of life in the following domains: physical functioning, cognitive functioning and fatigue. Conclusions: Malnutrition is prevalent among Palestinian cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, and it is associated with poor quality of life. The results of the study highlight the need for nutritional support programmes for cancer patients to enhance their nutritional status and improve their quality of life.