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World J Gastroenterol. Aug 14, 2007; 13(30): 4136-4140
Published online Aug 14, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i30.4136
Effects of nutritional and psychological status in gastrointestinal cancer patients on tolerance of treatment
Jun Tian, Zhen-Chun Chen, Li-Fang Hang
Jun Tian, Li-Fang Hang, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian Province, China
Zhen-Chun Chen, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou 350014, Fujian Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by Foundation of Fujian Medical University, No. Js060017
Correspondence to: Jun Tian, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, Fujian Province, China. tianjun@mail.fjmu.edu.cn
Telephone: +86-591-83569264
Received: November 16, 2006
Revised: December 3, 2006
Accepted: December 16, 2006
Published online: August 14, 2007
Abstract

AIM: To assess the effects of poor nutritional and psychological status on tolerance of cancer treatment and the recovery of physical performance status in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

METHODS: An epidemiological survey with respect to nutritional and psychological status in patients with gastrointestinal cancer was conducted among 182 operated patients in four provincial-level hospitals from December 2005 to June 2006. The food frequency survey method, state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and depression status inventory (DSI) were used to obtain information about the diet and psychological status in the patients. Nutritional status in the participants was reflected by serum albumin (Alb), hemoglobin (HB) and body mass index (BMI).

RESULTS: Alb, protein intake and anxiety were associated with the severity of side effects of treatment. The adjusted relative risk (RR) for Alb, protein intake and anxiety was 3.30 (95% CI: 1.08, 10.10, P = 0.03), 3.25 (95% CI: 1.06, 9.90, P = 0.04) and 1.48 (95% CI: 1.29, 1.70, P < 0.0001), respectively. Moreover, calorie intake, HB and depression were associated with the recovery of physical performance status in the patients. Adjusted relative risk was 2.12 (95% CI: 1.09, 4.03, P = 0.028), 2.05 (95% CI: 1.08, 3.88, P =0.026) and 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.12, P = 0.007), respectively.

CONCLUSION: Both poor nutrition status and psychological status are independent risk factors for severe side effects of cancer treatment, and have impact on the recovery of physical performance status in patients after treatment.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal cancer; Chemotherapy; Side effect; Nutritional status; Psychological status; Epidemiological survey