Eating experiences of children and adolescents with chemotherapy-related nausea and mucositis. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 2010;27(4):209-16
Date
06/22/2010Pubmed ID
20562389DOI
10.1177/1043454209360779Scopus ID
2-s2.0-77953852877 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 40 CitationsAbstract
Despite many advances in symptom management, children and adolescents with cancer still have trouble maintaining adequate oral intake during routine chemotherapy treatment. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the eating experiences of children and adolescents receiving chemotherapy when they had problems with nausea and mucositis. Eight children and adolescents and their caregivers were interviewed to describe how and what the children and adolescents ate when they were nauseated and/or had a sore mouth. Findings reveal that these children and adolescents all experienced nausea and frequently preferred not to eat during these periods. Eating problems related to mucositis also limited oral intake in this sample. These children and adolescents and their caregivers tried a variety of foods and strategies to maintain intake, including those recommended by health care providers. Prevention and management of nausea remains a challenge for children and adolescents receiving chemotherapy. Health care providers need to offer detailed eating suggestions throughout therapy so that these patients can maintain adequate nutrition and weight for optimal treatment tolerance as well as normal growth and development. Continued research is needed to test the effectiveness of interventions focused on maintaining oral intake during cancer treatment.
Author List
Green R, Horn H, Erickson JMAuthor
Jeanne M. Erickson PhD, RN Associate Professor in the College of Nursing department at University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Antineoplastic Agents
Child
Eating
Female
Humans
Male
Mucositis
Nausea
Neoplasms
