Abstract:
Background: Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that disrupt normal body
function. It’s a global public health issue with a rising burden in developing countries. Due to the
combined effect of the disease and therapy, cancer patients are susceptible to undernutrition.
However, evidence on the prevalence of undernutrition among cancer patients at Hiwot Fana
Comprehensive Specialized Hospital is limited, and the factors associated with undernutrition have
not been thoroughly investigated. This study, hence, aims to address this evidence gap.
Objective: To assess the undernutrition and associated factors among adult cancer patients attending
treatment at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia, from November
25, to December 30, 2024.
Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 399 cancer patients
attending treatment at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in eastern Ethiopia.
Participants were selected using Systematic random sampling. Data were collected using structured
questionnaires through face-to-face interview and chart review. Patient-Generated Subjective
Global Assessment (PG-SGA) tool was used to determine the nutritional status of the patients. Data
were analysed using SPSS version 27 software. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed.
Multicollinarity and model of fitness were checked. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95%
confidence interval (CI) at p<0.05 were used to declare statistically significant associations.
Results: The study revaled that 56.4% (95% CI: 51.5%, 61.3%) of the cancer patients were
undernourished. Age ≥55 years (AOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.405, 4.935), being female (AOR = 1.629;
95% CI: 1.035- 2.553), household food insecurity (AOR=2.685, 95% CI: 1.668, 4.324), low
dietary diversity (AOR=2.218, 95% CI: 1.416, 3.474), Stage four cancers (AOR=2.908, 95%CI:
1.523, 5.554), and performance status (AOR=1.951, 95% CI: 1.225, 3.107) were significantly
associated with undernutrition among adult cancer patients.
Conclusion: This study found that more than half of cancer patients were undernourished. Factors
significantly associated with undernutrition included age ≥55 years, female sex, household food
insecurity, low dietary diversity, stage four cancers, and poor performance status. Therefore,
Hospital and other stakeholder’s should give more attention for implemention of routine screen for
all patients prioritizing older age, women. Improve daitery diversity, food security through
nutritional intervention.
