Xuejiao Wang, Fenshuang Song, Yiwen Lin, Aiyuan Wu, Ya Lv
Cervical cancer patients undergoing CCRT have complex nutritional needs that are inadequately addressed due to cognitive, cultural, and systemic barriers. A multidisciplinary, culturally adapted nutritional support system integrating in-hospital and post-discharge care is needed.
PURPOSE: To explore the nutritional support needs of cervical cancer patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) from the perspectives of both patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs).
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 13 cervical cancer patients undergoing CCRT and 7 multidisciplinary HCPs (4 physicians, 3 nurses) from an oncology department in eastern China. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis.
RESULTS: Three main themes were identified: (1) multidimensional nutritional support needs, (2) cognitive biases regarding nutritional support management, and (3) barriers to achieving effective nutritional support. Patients reported unmet needs in managing treatment-related adverse symptoms, acquiring dietary knowledge, and accessing professional guidance after discharge. Cognitive biases-including limited awareness, insufficient knowledge for autonomous decision-making, exposure to conflicting information, and skepticism toward nutritional management-were evident among both patients and HCPs. Barriers included inconsistent professional advice, cultural dietary restrictions, and economic constraints.
CONCLUSION: Cervical cancer patients undergoing CCRT have complex nutritional needs that are inadequately addressed due to cognitive, cultural, and systemic barriers. A multidisciplinary, culturally adapted nutritional support system integrating in-hospital and post-discharge care is needed.