Assessment and Improvement of Nutritional Knowledge among Hospitalized Cancer Patients: Gaps, Sources, and Educational Strategies

Abstract

This study explores the nutritional knowledge, its acquisition, and assessment among hospitalized cancer patients, revealing significant gaps and the influence of demographic factors. The research identifies the predominance of informal and unreliable sources for nutritional information, such as internet searches and peer advice, highlighting the inadequacy in patient education provided by healthcare professionals. Additionally, the study addresses the lack of validated assessment tools for evaluating patients' nutritional knowledge, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and accessible educational resources and standardized measurement instruments. The findings advocate for an integrated approach involving personalized nutritional guidance and the development of validated tools to improve cancer patients' nutritional knowledge and health outcomes.