Nutritional Management of Patients with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy at a Tertiary Hospital in Kaduna State

Cancer and its treatment significantly alter nutritional requirements and the ability to maintain adequate dietary intake, with malnutrition associated with reduced treatment tolerance and poorer clinical outcomes. This study examines the nutritional management of adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, North West Nigeria. Chemotherapy-induced side effects including nausea, vomiting, taste changes, and mucositis frequently compromise oral intake and nutritional status, necessitating early and consistent dietetic intervention. A prospective descriptive study enrolled 120 adult cancer patients commencing first or subsequent chemotherapy cycles. Nutritional status was assessed at baseline and at each chemotherapy cycle using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment tool. Dietary intake was quantified using a 24-hour recall, and body weight and mid-arm muscle circumference were monitored. Presence and severity of nutrition impact symptoms were recorded using a validated symptom checklist. Dietetic referral rates, availability of oral nutritional supplements, and dietitian caseload were also documented. Findings are expected to demonstrate progressive deterioration in nutritional status across chemotherapy cycles, low rates of early dietetic referral, and limited access to evidence-based nutritional support products. The study makes a strong case for integrating oncology nutrition into chemotherapy protocols in Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Keywords: cancer nutrition, chemotherapy, Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment, Kaduna, oncology dietetics.