The effect of individual nutrition counseling on the life quality and weight in patients with gastric cancer following total gastrectomy

Abstract

The primary objective of this research is to investigate the influence of individual nutritional counseling (INC) on the quality of life (QOL) of gastric cancer patients who have undergone total gastrectomy. This prospective randomized controlled trial included 59 patients who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which received INC, or a control group. QOL data were collected by using the EORTC QOL-C30 and QOL-STO22 questionnaire. Weight and BMI were measured at discharge and two-month follow-up. The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in several dimensions compared to the control group, including global health score and reduction in weight and BMI loss (all p < 0.01). This study highlights INC as an essential aspect of comprehensive care provided for patients following total gastrectomy. The intervention has been proven to be highly effective in enhancing QOL, physical function, and psychological well-being, as well as in mitigating the adverse effects of post-surgical complications. QOL was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-STO22 questionnaires, and weight and BMI were assessed at discharge and two months postoperatively. Patients in the intervention group showed significant improvements in overall health, physical functioning, fatigue, anorexia, and dysphagia (all p < 0.01), as well as in nausea and vomiting, reflux, and eating restrictions (all p < 0.05). The intervention group also had significantly less reduction in body weight and BMI (p < 0.001). These findings support the integration of INC as a vital component of postoperative care to improve physical, psychological, and nutritional outcomes in patients undergoing total gastrectomy.