Title:Awareness Regarding Cancer Cachexia and its Nutritional Management Among Practising Dietetic Professionals in India
Volume: 21
Issue: 3
Author(s): Arwa Eranpurwala and Devaki Gokhale*
Affiliation:
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Symbiosis
School of Culinary Arts, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU), Lavale, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Keywords:
Awareness, cachexia, dietitians, India, nutrition, nutritionists, nutritional management.
Abstract:
Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the awareness of practicing dietetic professionals
regarding the nutritional management of cancer cachexia.
Background: Due to the rising rates of cancer cachexia-related mortality, dietetic professionals
have taken on an essential role in identifying and managing its associated symptoms through nutrition
to reduce its escalating side effects.
Objective: To assess knowledge and awareness of nutritional management of cancer cachexia and
understand the factors influencing them.
Methods: This cross-sectional survey among dietetic professionals was conducted using an online
questionnaire. Both descriptive and parametric were used to analyze the data.
Results: A total of 211 dietetic professionals were included in the study. Within the domain of
awareness, the participants who scored more than the median (> 3.5) scores were considered to
have good knowledge (36%, n= 76), and those less than the median (≤3.5) scores were considered
to have poor knowledge (64%, n=135). Notably, knowledge scores were significantly influenced
by the highest qualification attained (Ph.D. / Registered Dietitian), years of experience, the monthly
caseload of cancer patients, level of confidence, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines for
managing cancer cachectic patients (p-values all significant, ≤0.05). Dietetic Professionals suggested
knowledge upgradation, mandatory dietitian referrals, and team optimization, among other
strategies to raise awareness.
Conclusion: A high rate of incorrect responses was observed, with most participants demonstrating
poor knowledge. Hence, there is an urgent need for training dietetic practitioners to improve
specific knowledge about cancer cachexia and develop expertise in its nutritional care through designing
different awareness programs.
