Nutritional Status, Biochemical Markers and Dietary Patterns among Cancer Patients at Khartoum Oncology Hospital

Alamin Ibrahim, Hanan; Abdalkarim Abaker, Abubaker; Mohammed Yahia Abaker, Abdelgabbar; Abdalslam Ahmed Abdalslam, Ismail; Eshag Ibrahim Hassan, Yaseen; A. Mohammed Nour, Azhari; Awad Elkarim Mohamed Ibrahim, Mohamed

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2025.447196

Nutritional Status, Biochemical Markers and Dietary Patterns among Cancer Patients at Khartoum Oncology Hospital

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, Sudan

² Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, Sudan & Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia

³ Department of Public Health, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia. & Faculty of Public and Environmental Health, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, 205, Sudan.

10.21608/ejhc.2025.447196

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Nutritional status significantly influences treatment outcomes and quality of life in adult cancer patients at Khartoum Oncology Hospital, Sudan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 124 adult cancer patients admitted to the oncology unit. Data were collected through structured interviews, anthropometric measurements Body Mass Index (BMI), Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), and laboratory investigations hemoglobin, serum albumin. Dietary patterns and treatment modalities were also recorded. Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 25. Results: The majority of participants were female (60.8%), aged 41–60 years (52.5%), and unemployed (44.2%). The most common cancer types were breast (25.8%) and gastrointestinal (21.7%). Chemotherapy was the predominant treatment (68.3%). Malnutrition was prevalent, with 32.5% underweight and 40% having MUAC <23 cm. Hypoalbuminemia (32%) and anemia (61.7%) were frequent. Dietary intake was predominantly cereal-based, with limited fruits and proteins. Conclusion: Malnutrition is highly prevalent among cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy. Early nutritional assessment and interventions are essential to improve clinical outcomes. Recommendation: Routine nutritional screening and personalized dietary interventions should be integrated into oncology care to enhance patient prognosis and quality of life.

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