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
2021
Keaver, Laura | O’Callaghan, Niamh | O’Sullivan, Aoibheann | Quinn, Laoise | Loftus, Amy | McHugh, Catherine M.
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.
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