P-077 Factors influencing nutritional status after Curative Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Poor intake and weight loss are common among gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy surgery and can compromise patients' recovery and increase morbidity. Objectives: The study purpose was to describe nutritional status and its related factors in gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy. Methods: The study was based on a descriptive correlational design. A convenient sample of 101 gastric cancer patients who had gastrectomy was recruited from general surgery or oncology clinics in Taiwan. Data were collected with self-reported questionnaires, including Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Gastric Module, the Concerns in Food Preparation scale, the Dietary Knowledge Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Mini Nutrition Assessment. Results: The mean age of the sample was 66.5 (SD=14.0). Majority of the patients were male (n = 53), married (n = 92), not having a job (n = 81), had gastric adenocarcinoma (n =74), and underwent subtotal gastrectomy (n = 81). The patients' cancer stages ranged from 0 (n=4) to III (n=40). More than half of the patients (52.5%) were malnourished or at risk. Results: of multivariate linear regressions showed that gastrointestinal symptom distress, working status, and concerns in food preparation were significant predictors for nutritional status. The three variables together explained 35.8% of the variation (F= 19.56, p=0.022) in nutritional status. Conclusions: Gastric cancer patients are at risk for malnourish after gastrectomy and should be evaluated closely. Special attention should be paid to those who have a higher level of gastrointestinal symptom distress, a greater difficulty in food preparation, and is not currently holding a job.