Análisis de la alimentación de los cuidadores de pacientes pediátricos con cáncer en el Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez Dietary analysis of caregivers of pediatric cancer patients at the Hospital Infantil de México

Background. When a family member is admitted to the hospital, this represents a complex social and cultural phenomenon. Little research about caregivers and their basic needs such as nutrition has been carried out. The aim of this study is to assess the diet of caregivers of pediatric patients with cancer and to qualitatively describe the conditions associated with eating during hospitalization of a family member. Methods. Fifty three caregivers of hospitalized patients in the Oncology Department at the Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez were surveyed. The 24 hours (R24) reminder was used every day throughout the process of hospitalization. Finally, surveys were conducted in order to qualitatively describe food intake of caregivers during the feeding process in a hospitalization period. Results. Women caregivers outnumbered men (n = 43, 81%). Body mass index (BMI) at the beginning of the study was 25.5 ± 5 kg/m2 (X ± SD). Caloric intake per day of caregivers at the beginning of the hospitalization period was lower than medical recommendations for the Mexican population (2500 kcal). In the qualitative description, it was found that most caregivers eat breakfast (86%) and only a third have dinner (32%). Although 71% of caregivers ate something from the patients’ food tray, the most common way to obtain food was by purchase. Conclusions. Study subjects were overweight according to their BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2). Despite caloric intake being lower than recommended, intake distribution was acceptable according to the macronutrient distribution. Half of the caregivers studied had three meals but often experienced long periods of fasting.

[1]  Heather Patrick,et al.  The benefits of authoritative feeding style: caregiver feeding styles and children's food consumption patterns , 2005, Appetite.

[2]  Doug Coyle,et al.  Family caregiver burden: results of a longitudinal study of breast cancer patients and their principal caregivers , 2004, Canadian Medical Association Journal.

[3]  Karen Donelan,et al.  When the caregiver needs care: the plight of vulnerable caregivers. , 2002, American journal of public health.

[4]  G. Iconomou,et al.  The informational needs, satisfaction with communication, and psychological status of primary caregivers of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy , 2001, Supportive Care in Cancer.

[5]  T. Lynch,et al.  Burnout: caring for the caregivers. , 2000, The oncologist.

[6]  M. R. Roger,et al.  Impacto del hecho de cuidar en la salud de los cuidadores familiares , 2000 .

[7]  B. Given,et al.  Health Promotion for Family Caregivers of Chronically Ill Elders , 1998, Annual Review of Nursing Research.

[8]  E. Cook,et al.  The impact of serious illness on patients' families. SUPPORT Investigators. Study to Understand Prognoses and Preferences for Outcomes and Risks of Treatment. , 1994, JAMA.

[9]  J. Corona,et al.  Evaluación de los estilos de afrontamiento en cuidadores primarios de niños con cáncer , 2006 .

[10]  José Méndez,et al.  Artículo de investigación:Evaluación de los estilos de afrontamiento en cuidadores primarios de niños con cáncer , 2006 .

[11]  A. Franco,et al.  La alimentación del acompañante del paciente hospitalizado , 2000 .