| Title | Cancer in home care: unintended weight loss and ethical challenges. A cross-sectional study of older people at 11 sites in Europe |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2011 |
| Authors | Sorbye L.W |
| Journal | Archives of Gerontology & Geriatrics |
| Volume | 53 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pagination | 64-9 |
| Date Published | Jul-Aug |
| Type of Article | Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
| ISBN Number | 1872-6976 |
| Accession Number | 20569997 |
| Keywords | *Home Care Services/sn [Statistics & Numerical Data], *Neoplasms/ep [Epidemiology], *Weight Loss, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Cross-Sectional Studies, Europe/ep [Epidemiology], Female, Geriatric Assessment/sn [Statistics & Numerical Data], Home Care Services/es [Ethics], Humans, Male, Malnutrition/ep [Epidemiology], Severity of Illness Index |
| Abstract | The aim of this study was to compare unintended weight loss in cancer patients to other elderly. Home care users, aged >65 from urban areas at 11 sites in Europe (N=4010) were assessed with the Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care. Epidemiological and medical characteristics of clients and service utilization were recorded. A total of 321 (8%) patients had a cancer diagnosis; they were on average 80.4+/-7.3 years. Socio-demographic, functional and clinical parameters revealed small variations in the two groups. Compared to the non-cancer group, they more frequently suffered from: severe malnutrition (odds ratio=OR=2.4) unintended weight loss (OR=2.0), had been hospitalized during the last 6 months (OR=1.8). Older patients with cancer suffer more frequently from problems associated with nutrition than non-cancer patients. A comprehensive assessment could lead to better management of food and fluid supply based on basic ethical principles.Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.archger.2010.05.001 |
| Link | |
| Alternate Journal | Arch Gerontol Geriatr |
