Thực trạng khẩu phần ăn của bệnh nhân ung thư đại trực tràng đang điều trị hóa trị so với nhu cầu khuyến nghị

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a significant global health challenge, with its incidence on the rise, including in Vietnam. While chemotherapy is a cornerstone of CRC treatment, it often leads to adverse effects such as nausea, appetite loss, and taste changes, profoundly impacting patients' nutritional status. Adequate and balanced nutrition is critically important for maintaining physical well-being, enhancing quality of life, and supporting treatment efficacy in cancer patients. Malnutrition has been linked to increased complications and reduced treatment response. However, data on the current dietary intake status of CRC patients undergoing chemotherapy in Vietnam, relative to recommended nutritional requirements, remains limited. This study addresses this gap by investigating the proportion of CRC patients whose dietary intake of energy, macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber meets established guidelines.

Oncologists, nutritionists, dietitians, public health researchers, and healthcare policymakers involved in the care and management of cancer patients.

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to assess the `dietary intake` status of 210 `colorectal cancer` patients undergoing chemotherapy at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital between October 2022 and April 2023. Data collection involved medical records and 24-hour dietary intake interviews, with nutritional composition calculated using Vietnam Eiyoukun and statistical analysis performed via Stata. The study population had a mean age of 57.3 years, with 49.5% males and a significant proportion (83.8%) in advanced stages III-IV.

The findings revealed a concerningly low rate of patients meeting their `recommended requirements`. Only 35.7% met their `energy` needs, while `protein` adequacy was 44.3%, lipid 66.2%, and carbohydrate 57.1%. Micronutrient intake was also suboptimal; vitamin B1 showed the highest adequacy at 47.5%, followed by vitamin C (29.1%), vitamin PP (21%), and vitamin A (9.5%). For minerals, iron met 41.5% of recommendations, but calcium was notably low at 11%. Critically, only 0.5% of patients consumed adequate fiber. These results underscore that CRC patients undergoing chemotherapy in Vietnam exhibit a substantial deficit in meeting essential `recommended requirements` for `energy`, macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The study strongly implies an urgent need for timely nutritional counseling and targeted dietary interventions. Such measures are vital to improve the overall `dietary intake` and nutritional status of these patients, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes, reducing complications, and significantly improving their quality of life.