Mohamed MAER, Ibrahim NMI, Elezaby HH, Shehab MS. Chemosensory changes during chemotherapy.
Int J Palliat Nurs 2024;
30:147-155. [PMID:
38517848 DOI:
10.12968/ijpn.2024.30.3.147]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Chemosensory changes that occur during chemotherapy can significantly impact food enjoyment, quality of life and recovery.
AIM
To investigate chemosensory changes reported by oncology patients during chemotherapy.
METHODS
A mixed-method cross-sectional study design was used to explore 100 cancer patients' experiences of chemosensory changes during chemotherapy. All patients completed a questionnaire assessing their taste and smell preferences. A purposive sample of 30 patients underwent a semi-structured interview to elicit their thoughts on their experienced chemosensory changes. Descriptive statistics and themes were examined.
FINDINGS
The mean age of the sample was 50.56 years, and the majority of participants were female. The most stated taste alteration was bitter, while altered food preferences were also commonly experienced. Furthermore, most patients experienced unpleasant odours around food, while some experienced these odours even when food was not present. Overall, five themes were identified: changes in taste, changes in smell, changes in social life, altered comfort and food preferences.
CONCLUSION
Chemosensory changes related to cancer and its treatment impact a person's nutrient intake, food-related behaviours, quality of life and treatment response. Patients who experience chemotherapy-associated chemosensory changes require specialised nutritional therapy to increase their eating-related pleasure. As part of the nutritional assessment, chemosensory alterations should be evaluated regularly.
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