Psychosocial Factors and the Need for Multidisciplinary Support in Nutrition Counselling for Cancer Chemotherapy Patients

This study aims to identify the background factors and experiences of patients with cancer with eating-related problems who require nutrition counselling. Using a mixed-methods approach, this secondary analysis study was conducted on patients with head and neck, oesophageal, gastric, colorectal, or lung cancers who were receiving outpatient chemotherapy. They completed a questionnaire measuring nutrition impact symptoms, eating-related distress, and quality of life (QOL). Patients who required nutrition counselling were interviewed to identify the specific issues they experienced. We reported on nutritional status and nutrition impact symptoms in a previous study. Of the 151 participants, 42 required nutrition counselling. Background factors associated with nutrition counselling were related to the following psychosocial variables: small number of people in the household, undergoing treatment while working, low QOL, and eating-related distress. Four themes were extracted from the specific issues experienced by patients: motivation for self-management, distress from symptoms, seeking understanding and sympathy, and anxiety and confusion. The desire for nutrition counselling was attributable to 'anxiety caused by the symptoms' and 'confusion about the information on eating'. Healthcare professionals should promote multidisciplinary collaboration after considering the factors associated with the required nutrition counselling to provide nutritional support.

Automated summary

This study aimed to identify background factors and experiences of cancer patients with eating-related problems requiring nutrition counselling. A mixed-methods approach was used on patients with head and neck, oesophageal, gastric, colorectal, or lung cancers. Questionnaires measuring nutrition impact symptoms, eating-related distress, and quality of life (QOL) were completed, and interviews were conducted with patients requiring nutrition counselling to identify specific issues. Background factors associated with nutrition counselling were related to psychosocial variables such as household size, treatment while working, low QOL, and eating-related distress. Themes extracted from patients' experiences included motivation for self-management, symptom distress, seeking understanding and sympathy, and anxiety and confusion. The desire for nutrition counselling was attributed to 'anxiety caused by symptoms' and 'confusion about eating information'. Healthcare professionals should promote multidisciplinary collaboration considering factors associated with required nutrition counselling to provide nutritional support.