PP020 - PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF NUTRITIONAL CHALLENGES ON PARENTS OF CHILDREN TREATED FOR NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

PP020

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF NUTRITIONAL CHALLENGES ON PARENTS OF CHILDREN TREATED FOR NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

I. Hassnaoui^1,*, O. alaoui hachimi¹, H. fadriq¹, K. nouni¹, A. lachgar¹

¹radiation oncology, nationale institute of oncology , Rabat, Morocco

Rationale: Pediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) often leads to significant nutritional challenges due to dysphagia, mucositis, and reduced appetite. These difficulties can increase stress and anxiety among parents, yet few studies have systematically assessed the psychological impact of child nutritional status on caregivers. This study aimed to evaluate the association between nutritional challenges in children with NPC and parental stress and anxiety

Methods: A prospective study at the National Institute of Oncology (Jan–Dec 2025) included 35 parents of children (4–16 years) receiving radiotherapy ± chemotherapy for NPC. Children’s nutritional status (weight loss, BMI percentile, feeding difficulties) and parental psychological impact (PSS, HADS) were assessed. Additional factors included dysphagia severity, treatment duration, and enteral feeding. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multivariate regression to identify predictors of parental stress and anxiety.

Results: Among children, 60% experienced weight loss ≥5%, and 40% required partial enteral support. The mean parental PSS score was 22 ± 6, indicating moderate stress, and 34% of parents had clinically significant anxiety (HADS >11). Stress and anxiety were significantly correlated with severity of child dysphagia (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and need for enteral feeding (p = 0.02). Multivariate regression identified the severity of nutritional challenges in the child as the strongest independent predictor of parental stress and anxiety (β = 0.48, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Nutritional difficulties in children with NPC are associated with a measurable psychological burden on parents, particularly in cases of severe dysphagia or enteral feeding requirements. These findings highlight the importance of integrating nutritional support with targeted psychosocial interventions to improve both child and caregiver outcomes.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared