Exploring the pleasure of eating within children undergoing chemotherapy

BackgroundMost of the children undergoing chemotherapy find difficulties in maintaining a proper diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of chemotherapy on the appetite and pleasure of eating in children diagnosed with cancer.MethodsWe underwent a prospective descriptive study including children undergoing chemotherapy, recruited within Salah Azaiz Institute and Bechir Hamza Hospital. We've been educating mums with a nutritional playful and educational guide called “stars of strength�.ResultsThe study included 46 children with an average age of 8 years [4-16]. The patients were predominantly female (54%). The most common cancer was medulloblastoma (n=14). The nutritional status was mainly normal (53%). Most of the patients experienced significant digestive side effects: 71% vomiting, 41% mucositis, 47% loss of taste and 34% nausea. The side effects have continued for a median of 3 days [1-4]. More than half of the population reduced its weight significantly (n=31). The majority of children resorted to food supplements (61%). Children lost their appetite after chemotherapy in 70% of the cases. Our results also show that changes in food preferences were influenced by two main factors: smell (n=24) and taste (n=22). After adequate education with the stars of strength and management of chemotherapy side effects, there was an improvement in children appetite (p<0.005) in 76% of children.ConclusionsThe experience of eating during chemotherapy can be challenging for children. However, maintaining an adequate diet is essential for their well-being and recovery. An educational approach with a suitable guide can play a crucial role in helping these children overcome these challenges.Legal entity responsible for the studyThe authors.FundingHas not received any funding.DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.