Context-specific optimal dietary guidelines for managing cancer for hospitalized patients in Tanzania
ISSN: 0034-6659
Article publication date: 23 June 2022
Issue publication date: 7 February 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The lack of food-based dietary guidelines for managing cancer among hospitalized patients has led to an increasing economic burden on the government and families in low- and middle-economy countries. There have been increasing medical costs due to delayed recovery, readmission and mortality. The purpose of this study is to contribute in reducing these effects by developing context-specific food-based dietary guidelines to assist health-care professionals and caregivers in planning diets for cancer patients.
Design/methodology/approach
For seven days, the dietary intakes of 100 cancer patients in the hospital were recorded using weighed food records. Data on the costs of commonly consumed foods during hospitalization were obtained from hospital requisition books as well as nearby markets and shops. The information gathered was used to create optimal food-based dietary guidelines for cancer patients.
Findings
Most patients did not meet the recommended food group and micronutrient intake according to their weighed food records. Sugar intake from processed foods was (51 ± 19.8 g), (13% ± 2%), and calories (2585 ± 544 g) exceeded recommendations. Optimized models generated three menus that met the World Cancer Research Fund 2018 cancer prevention recommendation at a minimum cost of 2,700 Tanzanian Shillings (TSH), 3500TSH, and 4550TSH per day. The optimal dietary pattern includes nutrient-dense foods from all food groups in recommended portions and within calorie limits.
Originality/value
Findings show that optimal dietary guidelines that are context-specific for managing cancer in hospitalized patients can be formulated using culturally acceptable food ingredients at minimum cost.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their great appreciation to Joshua Mwansunda for sharing their expertise on the application of linear programming in human nutrition. Furthermore, we would like to thank Fanuel Kiptoo and Alfred Sife for their valuable and constructive suggestions during this study.
Funding: This work was supported The African Center for Research, Agricultural Advancement, Teaching Excellence and Sustainability (CREATES).
Citation
Kisighii, H.A., Raymond, J. and Chacha, M. (2023), "Context-specific optimal dietary guidelines for managing cancer for hospitalized patients in Tanzania", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 53 No. 2, pp. 416-431. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-01-2022-0020
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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