P280 - PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF MALNUTRITION FOLLOWING RADIOTHERAPY FOR HEAD AND NECK CANCER: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

P280

PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF MALNUTRITION FOLLOWING RADIOTHERAPY FOR HEAD AND NECK CANCER: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

A. Majdi^1,2, F. Z. Chraa^1,2, C. ezzouitina^1,2, H. Moubarik^1,2, R. Laraichi^1,2, A. lachgar^1,2, K. Nouni^1,2, H. Elkacemi^2,3, T. kebdani^1,2,*, K. Hassouni^1,2

¹Radiotherapy, National Institute of Oncology, ²Medicine, Faculty of medicine and pharmacy mohammed V, ³Radiotherapy, Institut National d'Oncologie, RABAT, Morocco

Rationale: Malnutrition during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer significantly impacts psychosocial well-being, increasing anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

This study evaluated the psychosocial impact of malnutrition in 100 HNC patients undergoing RT, examining the link between nutritional status and psychological/social outcomes, with a focus on how malnutrition affects these aspects.

Methods: This retrospective study involved 100 patients diagnosed with HNC and treated with RT between 2021 and 2024. Malnutrition was assessed using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Psychological well-being was evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while social functioning was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Head and Neck (FACT-H&N). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment. Statistical analyses were used to explore the association between nutritional status and psychosocial outcomes.

Results: Of the 100 patients, 71 (71%) were identified as malnourished at the start of RT. Three months after treatment, malnourished patients showed significantly higher levels of anxiety (mean HADS score: 13.1 vs. 8.6) and depression (mean score: 12.4 vs. 8.0) compared to well-nourished patients. Additionally, 45% of malnourished patients reported reduced social interaction compared to 22% in the well-nourished group. Quality of life, measured by the FACT-H&N, decreased significantly in malnourished patients (mean decrease: 18 points). A significant correlation was found between the severity of malnutrition and psychosocial distress 

Conclusion: Malnutrition during and after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer correlates with increased anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Early detection and management are crucial to improve nutritional and psychosocial outcomes.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared