Chemosensory changes during chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Chemosensory changes that occur during chemotherapy can significantly impact food enjoyment, quality of life and recovery. AIM: To investigate chemosensory changes reported by oncology patients during chemotherapy. METHODS: A mixed-method cross-sectional study design was used to explore 100 cancer patients' experiences of chemosensory changes during chemotherapy. All patients completed a questionnaire assessing their taste and smell preferences. A purposive sample of 30 patients underwent a semi-structured interview to elicit their thoughts on their experienced chemosensory changes. Descriptive statistics and themes were examined. FINDINGS: The mean age of the sample was 50.56 years, and the majority of participants were female. The most stated taste alteration was bitter, while altered food preferences were also commonly experienced. Furthermore, most patients experienced unpleasant odours around food, while some experienced these odours even when food was not present. Overall, five themes were identified: changes in taste, changes in smell, changes in social life, altered comfort and food preferences. CONCLUSION: Chemosensory changes related to cancer and its treatment impact a person's nutrient intake, food-related behaviours, quality of life and treatment response. Patients who experience chemotherapy-associated chemosensory changes require specialised nutritional therapy to increase their eating-related pleasure. As part of the nutritional assessment, chemosensory alterations should be evaluated regularly.

Relationship between resilience and health-related quality of life among patients with a permanent colostomy.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and resilience are important aspects of colorectal cancer care, as well as an indicator of patients' health status. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between resilience and HRQoL among patients with a permanent colostomy. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design employing the City of Hope Quality of Life Ostomy Questionnaire and the Resilience Scale was adopted. A purposive sample population was recruited. RESULTS: The study enrolled 158 colostomy patients. Half the participants (50.6%) were female and the mean age was 58.20 years [standard deviation (SD)=8.70]. Colostomy patients had a mean HRQoL score of 129.61 (SD)=98 (interquartile range: 109-148), with a spiritual domain that was lower than any other HRQoL domain. The Resilience Scale mean score was 106 (interquartile range: 82-126). CONCLUSION: This study observed a general low score on the HRQoL Questionnaire and this was reflected in the Resilience Scale score of this group of patients with a colostomy.