Masters Degrees (Human Nutrition)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Human Nutrition) by Author "Botha, Theo-Anne"

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    Prevalence of malnutrition using the GLIM criteria and a knowledge, attitudes and practices assessment in newly diagnosed cancer patients and healthcare professionals in a private healthcare setting, Namibia
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Botha, Theo-Anne; Visser, Janicke; Harmse, Berna; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Global Health. Human Nutrition.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is one of the first complications experienced by a person living with cancer. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, released in 2018, is used effectively for malnutrition diagnosis. Cancer in Namibia, a developing country, is a burden, and nutrition intervention strategies must be in place to improve the quality of life (QoL) of patients with cancer. OBJECTIVES: To determine the (i) prevalence of malnutrition in newly diagnosed cancer patients using GLIM criteria, (ii) anthropometric status at the start and end of the first cycle of treatment, (iii) Knowledge, Attitudes and Practises (KAP) of patients and Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) regarding nutrition and dietetic care, (iv) perceived importance or lack thereof, of the registered dietitian (RD) forming part of the multidisciplinary team. METHODOLOGY: A prospective cohort study design was used to sample patients and a cross-sectional study design with HCPs. Patients starting with anticancer treatment were sampled. Patients’ anthropometry was taken at the start and end of their first cycle of treatment and they filled in a KAP questionnaire at the end. All HCPs (nurses, oncologists) working at the centre were sampled. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients were enrolled and 54 (71%) completed the study. More than half of patients reported some form of weight lost prior to starting treatment. The mean amount of weight lost and mid-upper arm circumference difference (MUACD) from baseline to the end of the first cycle of treatment (n=54) were 1,89 kg (SD 4.33) and 1.69 cm (SD 1.45) respectively. No significant difference was observed between being “at risk” at baseline and at the end of the first cycle of treatment (McNemar chi-square, p=0,26). There was no significant difference between being malnourished at the start (n=16; 30%) and end (n=15; 28%) of the first cycle of treatment (GLIM criteria) (McNemar chi-square, p=1). More than half of patients had adequate knowledge (≥ 70% = adequate) about nutrition and dietetic care. The majority of patients reported to have not received enough nutritional information and would prefer receiving information in the form of printed booklets and by one-on-one consultations with an RD. Patients had an overall positive attitude towards the RD. Thirteen HCPs formed part of the study (nine nurses and four oncologists). Most nurses had a knowledge score of less than 60% (≥ 80% = adequate) and two oncologists had a score of 79%. Most HCPs agreed with the importance of patients being screened for malnutrition but confusion was reported on when, and who can make use of a screening tool. HCPs had a positive attitude towards the RD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of nutrition risk and malnutrition at the start and end of the first cycle of treatment and the low rate of referral for nutrition support at this centre highlight the importance of early identification of patients at risk and ensuring efficient nutritional protocols are in place.