Awareness Regarding Cancer Cachexia and its Nutritional Management Among Practising Dietetic Professionals in India

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the awareness of practicing dietetic professionals regarding the nutritional management of cancer cachexia. Background: Due to the rising rates of cancer cachexia-related mortality, dietetic professionals have taken on an essential role in identifying and managing its associated symptoms through nutrition to reduce its escalating side effects. Objective: To assess knowledge and awareness of nutritional management of cancer cachexia and understand the factors influencing them. Methods: This cross-sectional survey among dietetic professionals was conducted using an online questionnaire. Both descriptive and parametric were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 211 dietetic professionals were included in the study. Within the domain of awareness, the participants who scored more than the median (> 3.5) scores were considered to have good knowledge (36%, n= 76), and those less than the median (≤3.5) scores were considered to have poor knowledge (64%, n=135). Notably, knowledge scores were significantly influenced by the highest qualification attained (Ph.D. / Registered Dietitian), years of experience, the monthly caseload of cancer patients, level of confidence, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines for managing cancer cachectic patients (p-values all significant, ≤0.05). Dietetic Professionals suggested knowledge upgradation, mandatory dietitian referrals, and team optimization, among other strategies to raise awareness. Conclusion: A high rate of incorrect responses was observed, with most participants demonstrating poor knowledge. Hence, there is an urgent need for training dietetic practitioners to improve specific knowledge about cancer cachexia and develop expertise in its nutritional care through designing different awareness programs.