The Evaluation of Relationship Between Malnutrition, Quality of Life and Depression in Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy

Abstract

Objective: The main aim of the study was to evaluate relationship betweenmalnutrition and quality of life in gastrointestinal (GIS) and non-gastrointestinal (non-GIS) cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.Methods: This study was carried out from March to October 2015. 104 cancerpatients (52 GIS and 52 non-GIS cancer cases) participated in the study. Thepatients aged between 19-64 years-old and treated in a medical oncology clinic. Thegeneral characteristics and disease information of the patients were recorded in aquestionnaire form. Nutritional status, quality of life, anxiety and depression statuswere assessed using “Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment” (PG-SGA),“European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of LifeQuestionnaire” (EORTC QLQ-C30) and “Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale”(HADS), respectively.Results: The percentages of malnutrition were found 64.6% and 64.3% in male,and 61.9% and 45.8% in female patients with GİS and non-GİS cancer, respectively.There was negative moderate and significant correlation between PG-SGA scoreand EORTC QLQ-C30 score (r=-.424, p=0.000). There was positive moderate andsignificant correlation between PG-SGA score and anxiety score (r=.489, p=0.000)and depression score (r=.514, p=0.000).Conclusion: The nutritional status, quality of life, anxiety and depression level ofeach patient diagnosed with cancer should be evaluated comprehensive by usingappropriate scales. The obtained data will guide the best nutritional therapy andpsychological support.