Exploring Cachexia: Severity, Functional Abilities, and Personal Experiences of Cancer Survivors through a Mixed-Methods Analysis
Introduction: Cachexia, an involuntary weight loss and wasting of muscle, severely impairs the quality of life and treatment outcomes of survivors after cancer. Objectives: The study opted for this mixed-method design to assess cachexia severity; functional impacts of cachexia; and lived experiences...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1731_24 |
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| Summary: | Introduction:
Cachexia, an involuntary weight loss and wasting of muscle, severely impairs the quality of life and treatment outcomes of survivors after cancer.
Objectives:
The study opted for this mixed-method design to assess cachexia severity; functional impacts of cachexia; and lived experiences among survivors with the condition.
Methods:
The cross-sectional study carried out at a tertiary care center in Chennai was based on the scores of 60 survivors of cancer, evaluated using the Cachexia Severity Score and Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy Scale, along with semi-structured interviews for six participants.
Results:
The study found a significant negative correlation between cachexia severity and functional ability (r = −0.32, P = 0.01). Cachexia severity (mean: 81.65) and functional ability (mean: 7.10) indicated significant functional impairment. Qualitative interviews highlighted emotional and physical challenges, with family support and religious beliefs as coping mechanisms, emphasizing the need for holistic care.
Conclusion:
Addressing cachexia therefore requires integrating physical rehabilitation, mental health support, and lifestyle adjustments to improve survivors’ quality of life and mitigate its multidimensional impact. |
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| ISSN: | 0976-4879 0975-7406 |