A Latent Class Analysis of Nutrition Impact Symptoms in Cancer Survivors

Laura Keaver, Catherine McHugh, Christopher McLaughlin

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Those with a cancer diagnosis report experiencing a wide range of nutrition impact symptoms with prevalence varying by study, group and cancer type. Objectives: We aimed to identify groups of cancer survivors with specific patterns of nutrition impact symptoms. Methods: 226 individuals attending oncology day ward and outpatient clinics completed a series of questionnaires and physical measurements. A latent class analysis was performed to identify subgroups based on 13 nutrition impact symptoms taken from the Patient Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form. The identified classes were subsequently compared using analysis of variance and chisquare tests, by sociodemographic, clinical and nutritional variables as well as by Global health status (GHS) and five functioning scales determined using the EORTC QLQ-C30. Results: Three latent subtypes were identified: (1) High Symptom Burden (n=23, 11%); (2) Fatigue (n=61, 29.6%) and (3) Low Symptom Burden (n=142, 59.4%). Those in the High Symptom Burden group were more likely to be female, not working and have consumed less food than usual in the last month compared to those in the Low Symptom Burden group. Those in the Fatigue group were more likely to be undergoing treatment, receiving chemotherapy or have received their diagnosis in the last five years compared to those in the Low Symptom Burden group. The EORTC-QLQ-C30 functioning and GHS scores were all significantly different between the three nutrition impact symptoms classes (p<0.001) Conclusion: This is the first study to examine heterogeneity of nutrition impact symptoms in Irish Cancer Survivors. The findings of this work will inform and allow for more individualised nutrition care.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 27 Nov 2020
EventThe 21st Annual Multidisciplinary Research Conference: Sligo University Hospital / IT Sligo - Sligo University Hospital, Sligo, Ireland
Duration: 27 Nov 2020 → …
http://ref-sligo.ie/

Conference

ConferenceThe 21st Annual Multidisciplinary Research Conference
Country/TerritoryIreland
CitySligo
Period27/11/20 → …
Internet address

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