Mudanças no comportamento alimentar em sobreviventes ao câncer assistidos ao nível ambulatorial

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to analyze aspects of eating behavior in cancer survivors assisted on outpatient basis. Methods: this is a cross-sectional qualitative and quantitative research, conducted with 51 cancer survivors, assisted on an outpatient basis, in a public hospital in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. Data collection instruments were a structured questionnaire and the protocol for leading focus groups. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and content analysis based on Bardin. Results: It was observed good self-perception about health, feeding, and behavior change. Also, it was evidenced aspects of influence on eating habits such as price, taste, nutritional value of food, and sources of information about food. The categories that emerged from the focus group showed the importance of emotional support issues, difficulties in the face of the diagnosis, behavior changes, and dysfunctional thoughts. Conclusions: being a cancer survivor involves experiences able to positively modify feeding behavior. Thus, the context of the disease and the psycho-sociocultural aspects must be understood and considered in cancer care.

Keywords: Neoplasms. Feeding Behavior. Qualitative Research. Focus Groups. Ambulatory Care