Role of Nutritional Support in Improving Psychological Aspects in Cancer Patients Post-radiotherapy at Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner
Abstract
Background: Post-radiotherapy, cancer patients frequently experience significant psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, which is often exacerbated by malnutrition. The interplay between nutritional status and psychological well-being is critical yet underexplored in integrated care models at many tertiary centers, including Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner.
Aim & Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured nutritional support program on improving psychological parameters in cancer patients following radiotherapy. Primary objectives were to assess changes in anxiety and depression scores, with secondary objectives focusing on quality of life, nutritional status, and fatigue levels.
Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted with 100 post-radiotherapy patients, randomized into an Intervention Group (n=50) receiving a 12-week personalized nutritional program (dietary counselling and oral supplements) and a Control Group (n=50) receiving standard care. Psychological assessment was performed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), alongside evaluations of quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), nutritional status (PG-SGA), and biochemical markers at baseline and post-intervention.
Results: The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in HADS scores for anxiety (14.2±3.1 to 8.5±2.4; p<0.001) and depression (15.1±3.4 to 9.3±2.8; p<0.001), with no significant change in the control group. Significant improvements were also observed in global quality of life scores (42.5 to 65.8), nutritional status (well-nourished patients increased from 10% to 62%), serum albumin, hemoglobin, and a marked reduction in reported fatigue.
Conclusion: A structured nutritional intervention significantly improves psychological well-being, quality of life, and nutritional biomarkers in post-radiotherapy cancer patients. This study advocates for the mandatory integration of dietitian-led nutritional support into standard oncology care protocols to facilitate holistic recovery.
Keywords: Nutritional Support, Psychological Distress, Cancer, Radiotherapy, Quality of Life, Anxiety, Depression.
Keywords:
Nutritional Support, Psychological Distress, Cancer, Radiotherapy, Quality of Life, Anxiety, DepressionDOI
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