Assess the Severity of Anorexia and Quality of Sleep among Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Abdelguid, Said; Ammar, Sabah Ahmed; Ali, Zeinab Hussien; Sobeih, Mohamed Emam

doi:10.21608/hijnrp.2025.405912.1401

Assess the Severity of Anorexia and Quality of Sleep among Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Document Type : Scientific Research Periodical

Authors

¹ Assistant Lecturer of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Al Ryada University, Egypt

² Adult Health Nursing department - Faculty of Nursing- Helwan University, Egypt.

³ Professor of Adult Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Helwan University, Egypt.

⁴ Lecturer of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt

10.21608/hijnrp.2025.405912.1401

Abstract

Background: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience numerous adverse effects from both the disease and treatment modalities. Anorexia and sleep disturbances represent the most prevalent symptoms that are linked to decreased quality of life and overall survival. necessitating proactive assessment and evidence-based interventions to optimize patient outcomes and therapeutic adherence. Aim of the study: The study aimed to assess the severity of anorexia and quality of sleep among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Design: A descriptive research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted in medical and surgical oncology departments at the National Cancer Institute, Egypt. Sample: A purposive sample of 86 adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy was recruited. Tools: Three tools were used for data collection: Tool 1: A structured interviewing questionnaire consisting of two parts: Part (I) patients' demographic data and Part (II) patients' health history; Tool 2: Anorexia scale consisting of two parts: Part (I) Visual Analogue Appetite Scale and Part (II) Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy-Anorexia/Cachexia Subscale; Tool 3: St. Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire. Results: The study demonstrated that 39.5% and 51.2% of the studied patients experienced moderate and severe anorexia, respectively. Additionally, 48.9% and 39.5% exhibited poor and average sleep quality, respectively. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the severity of anorexia and sleep quality among the studied patients (r = -0.139, p = 0.016). Recommendations: Healthcare providers should implement routine screening for severity of anorexia and quality of sleep among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Integration of evidence-based interventions, such as relaxation techniques, should be considered as part of comprehensive supportive care protocols to address these interconnected symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

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