Evaluation of the Nutritional Status of Adult Cancer Patients in a Reference Hospital of Cameroon Using Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with malnutrition being a common comorbidity (prevalence 20-80%) that negatively impacts patient outcomes, increasing morbidity, mortality, and poor treatment tolerance. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical, yet nutritional status is often overlooked, particularly in low-resource settings. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of malnutrition among adult cancer patients at the Yaoundé General Hospital. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study from December 2021 to August 2022, including 109 adult cancer patients (age ≥ 18 years) using non-probability consecutive sampling. Nutritional status was assessed using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), classifying patients as well-nourished (A), moderately malnourished (B), or severely malnourished (C). Results: The cohort was predominantly female (62.4%), with a mean age of 51.78±15.7 years. Breast cancer was the most common malignancy (25.7%), and 59.6% of patients presented with metastatic disease. The overall malnutrition rate was 52.3%, with 18.4% of cases being moderate (Stage B) and 33.9% being severe (Stage C). Cancers of the head and neck and stomach accounted for the highest proportion of malnourished patients (33.3% for each group). A critical finding was that only 20.2% of patients had received any form of nutritional intervention during their oncology follow-up. Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition is critically high (52.3%), with a high severity index, underscoring a significant and immediate gap in comprehensive cancer care in Cameroon. Routine PG-SGA screening and the urgent implementation of nutritional management protocols are essential to improve the quality of life and outcomes for cancer patients in resource-limited settings.
Authors: Berthe Mapoko, Pelagie Douanla, Etienne Atenguena, Esther Bell, Lionel Fossa, Ruth Mapenya, Anne Sango, Anne Maison, Michel Mouelle, Zacharie Sando
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7108205229