CN39 - Exploring the pleasure of eating within children undergoing chemotherapy

Background

Most of the children undergoing chemotherapy find difficulties in maintaining a proper diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemotherapy on the appetite and pleasure of eating in children diagnosed with cancer.

Methods

We underwent a prospective descriptive study including children undergoing chemotherapy, recruited within Salah Azaiz Institute and Bechir Hamza Hospital. We've been educating mums with a nutritional playful and educational guide called “stars of strength”.

Results

The study included 46 children with an average age of 8 years [4-16]. The patients were predominantly female (54%). The most common cancer was medulloblastoma (n=14). The nutritional status was mainly normal (53%). Most of the patients experienced significant digestive side effects: 71% vomiting, 41% mucositis, 47% loss of taste and 34% nausea. The side effects have continued for a median of 3 days [1-4]. More than half of the population reduced its weight significantly (n=31). The majority of children resorted to food supplements (61%). Children lost their appetite after chemotherapy in 70% of the cases. Our results also show that changes in food preferences were influenced by two main factors: smell (n=24) and taste (n=22). After adequate education with the stars of strength and management of chemotherapy side effects, there was an improvement in children appetite (p<0.005) in 76% of children.

Conclusions

The experience of eating during chemotherapy can be challenging for children. However, maintaining an adequate diet is essential for their well-being and recovery. An educational approach with a suitable guide can play a crucial role in helping these children overcome these challenges.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.