Antropometria, aspectos nutricionais, mobilidade e qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes com câncer

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of childhood cancer is complex and includes several stages and forms of treatment, isolated or combined, which can negatively impact the anthropometric parameters, mobility, food consumption and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To compare and investigate the relationship between anthropometric parameters, food consumption, mobility and quality of life in children and adolescents with cancer in comparison with apparently healthy children and adolescents. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study with a total of 45 participants, 15 from the cancer group and 30 from the control group. Anthropometric parameters were used (arm circumference, calf circumference-CC, triceps skinfold and arm muscle circumference), handgrip strength (HGS), mobility test (Timed Up and Go-TUG) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-PedsQL; Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents-PAQA and Children-PAQ-C and 3-Day Food Record. RESULTS: 30 females and 15 males participated in this study with a mean age of 13.67±5.77 in the cancer group and 13.07±5.11 in the control group (p>0.05). Regarding the classification according to anthropometric parameters, 4.4% of the total group was classified as mildly malnourished; 2.2% with moderate malnutrition; 42.2% as eutrophic; 22.2% overweight and 28.9% obese (p>0.05). Of the 27 food records of both groups, 9 participants consumed a percentage of ultra-processed foods lower than 30%. The correlation analyzes showed a positive and strong correlation between the anthropometric variables: standing and sitting calf circumference (r=0.990*); positive and strong correlation between right and left calf circumference and hand grip strength (r=0.813* and r=0.803*), respectively. Correlations between anthropometric data, handgrip strength and protein intake were weak, as was the correlation between TUG and HGP. The high classification in ABEP presents a higher consumption of ultra-processed products (>30%); the participants in the cancer group consume less ultraprocessed foods when compared to the control group (p<0.001). Regarding quality of life, it was found that reporting from the perspective of caregivers is moderately correlated with reports obtained by children and/or adolescents on their own quality of life (r=0.611*). Furthermore, the level of physical activity is correlated with screen time (p=0.049*). CONCLUSION: Anthropometric measurements can be used in association with handgrip strength to optimize the diagnosis and monitoring of body composition changes in children and adolescents with cancer. The consumption of ultra-processed foods is a reality for the population in general and nutritional guidance and education aimed at the consumption of fresh and minimally processed foods is necessary. There is impairment in the mobility of children and adolescents with cancer and the relationship is not directly associated with anthropometric parameters or quality of life, with these impairments being a possible consequence of multiple factors. Strategies to improve the mobility, food quality and quality of life of children and young people with cancer must be drawn up by the care team and health professionals who work with this population.