Examining the Link Between Malnutrition and Life Quality in Chemotherapy Patients at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital, Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Malnutrition is a prevalent issue among cancer patients, exacerbated by chemotherapy-related side effects, which further deteriorates their quality of life (QoL). This study sought to examine the nutritional status and quality of life of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital (MeTRH). To investigate the nutritional status, prevalence of nutrition impact symptoms, and quality of life of cancer patients on chemotherapy at MeTRH. A descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was conducted at the Hemato-Oncology Clinic, MeTRH, Kenya, from May 2023 to August 2023. A total of 246 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were recruited through purposive sampling. Data on nutritional status and QoL were collected using structured questionnaires, WHOQOL-BREF, and Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002). Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS version [Insert Version]. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationship between nutrition status and QoL. Nutrition Impact Symptoms: Loss of appetite (45.8%) and nausea/vomiting (35.2%) were the most common symptoms. Quality of Life: 64.2% of patients reported their QoL as neither poor nor good, while none reported good QoL. Statistical Findings: Malnutrition significantly correlated with lower QoL scores (p<0.05). Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience significant nutritional challenges, leading to impaired QoL. Early nutritional interventions are essential to improve patient outcomes.