The influence of chemotherapy on nutritional status and oncological fatigue in cancer patients: Cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: chemotherapy can contribute to the impairment of nutritional status and increased fatigue. Objective: the aim of this study is evaluate the influence of chemotherapy on nutritional status and oncological fatigue. Methods: this is a study with patients undergoing chemotherapy. Data collection was performed in the first chemotherapy session, in the middle and in the last session. Results: the final sample comprised 20 patients. There was an increase in the level of fatigue (p<0.05), and a difference between the percentage of weight loss (p<0.05). A direct relationship was found between fatigue and nutritional status (R= 0.484; p= 0.031). Conclusion: fatigue increase during chemotherapy and nutritional status worsens throughout the sessions, with a direct relationship between fatigue and nutritional status.