Assessment of Nutritional Concerns and Parental Information Needs in Pediatric Oncology Patients Surveyed at Benghazi Pediatric Hospital

Abstract

Background: Childhood cancer remains a major global health concern, with treatment-related nutritional complications significantly affecting outcomes and quality of life despite survival rates improving. Parents of children with cancer face significant emotional, psychological, and financial strain, often accompanied by fear of poor outcomes. Providing clear and accurate information is essential to help children understand their condition, support informed decision-making, reduce anxiety and depression, and strengthen trust between families and healthcare professionals. Aim: This study aimed to assess the nutritional concerns experienced by pediatric oncology patients and to identify the nutrition-related information needs of their parents at Benghazi Pediatric Hospital, Libya. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2024 on patients attending the Children's Hospital in Benghazi, Libya. In total, participants were selected from the hospital 61 including 32 females and 29 males. They were randomly selected from the oncology ward. Collecting patients’ data and assessing the nutritional problems in children with cancer and the information needs of their parents by using questionnaires. Results: The results show that 78.7% had received Chemotherapy. The most prominent nutritional problems that their children experienced were fatigue/weakness (74%), Taste alteration (72.2%), and anorexia (72.1%). The parents mostly needed information about food-disease interactions (80.3%), food-drug interactions (72.1%), the child’s diet (75%) and food preservation (70.4%). There was a strong correlation between food disease reaction (p=0.028), nutrition education (p=0.011) and income. There was no relationship between the information needs and gender and education level of parents. There was no relationship between type of cancer, treatment and gender, age and weight. There was no relationship between nutritional problems and age and weight Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that most children experience at least one nutritional concern, underscoring the importance of providing parents with comprehensive, up-to-date, and ongoing nutrition-related information to support informed dietary practices.