Nutritional Status of Newly Reporting Cancer Patients from Two (2) Health Facilities in Accra

Abstract

Background: Cancer incidence, prevalence and mortality is increasing globally. In developing and economically transitioning countries, the incidence of cancer is increasing at alarming rates. Although malnutrition is a common characteristic of cancer patients, it is often ignored in treatments and follow up care. Assessing the nutritional status of newly reporting cancer patients will help to plan early and appropriate dietary interventions. Aim: To determine the nutritional status of newly reporting cancer patients in two health facilities: Sweden Ghana Medical Centre, and National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Center. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional design. A total of 125 newly reporting cancer patients were recruited from the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre and the Sweden Ghana Medical Center. Demographic and socioeconomic data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. A patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) tool was also used to assess malnutrition in patients. A 2-day non-consecutive 24 hour recall was taken using handy measures to estimate quantity of foods consumed on one weekday and one weekend day. Household Dietary diversity (HDD) score was calculated based on the 24 hour recall data. Anthropometric measurements were taken and data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23.0). Descriptive statistics were calculated for continuous variables (age and income level). Proportions were calculated for categorical variables (gender, educational level, marital status and anthropometric measurements). Differences in means between the dietary diversity and PG-SGA scores of study participants from the two hospitals was determined using independent sample t-test. Association between the PG-SGA scores and HDD scores were determined using Pearson chi square. A p-value less than 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results: A total number of 125 cancer patients were recruited for the study. Majority (65.6%) were 50 years and above. The overall mean HDD scores of the participants from the two hospitals was 6.29 ± 1.6. The mean PG-SGA scores of all study participants was 6.80 ± 4.50. There was a significant association between the dietary diversity scores and PG-SGA scores. Conclusion: Findings from this study showed that about 50% of the study participants were moderately malnourished with a PG-SGA score of 6.80. These findings may indicate that majority of cancer patients in Ghana may be malnourished and will benefit from nutrition intervention.