Estrategias nutricionales para mitigar los efectos secundarios del tratamiento contra el cáncer mediante recursos educativos

Abstract

Cancer is one of the main causes of global mortality, being a growing problem in Ecuador where SOLCA reports 29273 cases in 2020, with a projection of 53701 by 2040. Cancer treatments significantly affect nutritional status, with a prevalence of malnutrition between 30-90% and gastrointestinal toxicity in up to 100% of patients. The educational programme is developed with the aim of empowering patients to make informed decisions about their nutrition during treatment. The development was structured in four methodological phases that included needs assessment through interviews with specialists, systematic review in scientific databases, design of didactic materials and institutional validation. The implementation of the programme showed a significant increase in knowledge from 28% to 92% in the sample studied, with an improvement of 64% (p<0.001), while the satisfaction survey showed an approval rating of over 90% in all aspects evaluated. The programme constitutes an innovative and effective tool that optimises treatment and quality of life for patients, and its continued implementation in similar clinical settings is recommended. Keywords: gastrointestinal toxicity, malnutrition, SOLCA, patient empowerment.