Burden of malnutrition among cancer patients in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, invade other cells, and spread to different parts of the body, leading to illness and, if left untreated, death. Patients with cancer are vulnerable to malnutrition as a result of the combined effects of the disease and its treatment. Malnutrition is a common problem among cancer patients. To design strategies and policies on health education, screening, and early intervention, a systematic review and meta-analysis are needed to highlight the burden of malnutrition among cancer patients in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Electronic databases (SCOPUS, CINAHL, CAB Abstract, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science), Google Scholar, and lists of references were used to search works of literature in Ethiopia. STATA version 17 was used for analysis, and the odds ratios of the outcome variable were determined using the random-effects model. Computing values assessed heterogeneity among the studies for I2 and P-values. Also, graphical diagnostic of small-study effect analysis was done using funnel plot to assess the publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of ten studies were included with a total of 2,020 participants. This study revealed a pooled prevalence of malnutrition among cancer patients was 49.2% (95% CI: 35.5%, 63%). The subgroup analysis based on publication year revealed varying prevalence rates of malnutrition among cancer patients in Ethiopia. In 2020, a high prevalence of 86.5% (95% CI: 0.825, 0.904) was observed in Addis Ababa, the capital city. For the studies conducted in 2021, the prevalence ranged from 17.1 to 58.2% (95% CI: 0.053, 0.725). In 2022, the prevalence ranged from 48.1 to 56.7% (95% CI: 0.422, 0.54). Finally, in 2023, the prevalence ranged from 19.3 to 61.4% (95% CI: 0.048, 0.692).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition among cancer patients in Ethiopia. The findings underscore the need for systematic screening and effective nutritional interventions for individuals with cancer in Ethiopia. The study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals to optimize patient care and outcomes.