Impact of COVID-19 on early identification of protein-energy malnutrition in the cancer care setting: a repeated cross-sectional survey of cancer care professionals.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

What are the perceptions and practices regarding protein energy malnutrition (PEM) screening and assessment for patients with cancer among health professionals working in the cancer setting, and how have these perceptions and practices changed since the COVID-19 pandemic?

Methods

A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 (pre-COVID-19) and 2024 (post-COVID-19) using a study-specific online 24-item questionnaire. Qualified health professionals working as clinicians in the cancer setting were eligible. The survey was disseminated via professional associations internationally. Data were analysed in Stata/MP 18.5.

Results

Of N = 282 participants included (n = 197 pre-COVID-19, n = 85 post-COVID-19), most were dietitians (39%) from Oceania (29%). The r

SUBMITTER: Boll Kristensen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12827316 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature