Online Survey of Nutrition Status in Chinese Non-hospitalized Cancer Patients

Nutritional status has significant impact on clinical outcome and quality of life in patients with cancer. Current surveys show that about 30-80% of patients with cancer have nutritional risk and/or malnutrition, and about 20% of the patients' death are directly caused by malnutrition. Appropriate and standardized nutrition therapy might not only improve the nutritional status, but also the clinical outcomes of patients with cancer, and improve their life quality and dignity.

At present, there is still lack of large-scale investigation and research on nutritional status and dietary intakes in discharged patients with cancer in China, and thus affects the overall level of nutritional management for cancer patients, as well as the formation of related guideline.

Therefore, we will conduct a national-wide cross-sectional online survey, which aim to investigate relevant data of nutritional status and dietary intakes among discharged patients with cancer. Data will be collected through an online semi-structured questionnaire using WeChat forms with a consent form. The link to the questionnaire was sent through emails, WeChat App groups, and other social media. The participants were encouraged to roll out the survey, and send the link to more patients as they could. On receiving and clicking the link, the participants will be directed to the information about the study and informed consent. After they accept to take the survey, they will fill up the demographic details and answer a set of questions related to nutritional status and dietary intake investigation.

Inclusion criteria

Clinical diagnosis of cancer Must be able to use WeChat or related social media Fully understood and voluntarily signed the informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Hospitalized patients Pregnant and lactating women Be known to have any psychiatric illness Refused to share the data or no network condition