Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Clinical Nutrition
Date of Award
5-2008
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Elizabeth F. Lowe
Committee Members
Deborah Slawson, Jamie B. Kridler
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if patients with cancer receiving radiation therapy were satisfied with the nutrition counseling they were receiving and if they obtained any benefit. Radiation increases the risk for side effects such as taste changes, chewing/swallowing problems, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. When these side effects are present, a decrease in food and fluid intake occurs, which leads to weight loss, increased risk of morbidity and mortality, as well as decreased quality of life. Subjects were recruited from a regional cancer treatment facility and a survey was administered to those who met criteria. Subjects were found to manage some of their side effects better after counseling from the registered dietitian. A minimal amount of weight loss was observed. Therefore, registered dietitians, when effectively incorporated into a radiation treatment facility, can provide a nutrition program targeted at reducing weight loss and improving quality of life.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Stuart, Bethany A., "Evaluating Satisfaction and Benefit of Nutrition Counseling Provided by a Registered Dietitian among Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy." (2008). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1941. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1941
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.