Association between nutritional literacy and cancer anorexia among gastrointestinal cancer patients: a moderated mediation analysis on the roles of self-efficacy and family support - Report - MDSpire

Association between nutritional literacy and cancer anorexia among gastrointestinal cancer patients: a moderated mediation analysis on the roles of self-efficacy and family support

  • By

  • Peiyao Zhu

  • Zhen Li

  • Hongmei Zhang

  • Hengyu Hu

  • Xin Chen

  • Jingwen Cao

  • Yan Guo

  • July 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Linking Nutritional Literacy to Cancer-Related Anorexia

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between nutritional literacy, self-efficacy, and cancer-related anorexia in gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Background

Cancer-related anorexia is a prevalent issue among patients with gastrointestinal cancer, significantly impacting their nutritional intake and overall quality of life. With chemotherapy being a common treatment, nutritional literacy, self-efficacy, and family support are identified as key components.

Data Highlights

VariableβtP
Nutritional Literacy (Anorexic Behavior Score)0.3346.156<0.001
Family Support (Moderating Role)0.0514.704<0.001

Key Findings

  • Nutritional literacy is positively associated with cancer anorexic behavior scores.
  • Self-efficacy mediates the relationship between nutritional literacy and anorexic behavior.
  • Family support enhances the relationship between nutritional literacy and self-efficacy.
  • High family support correlates with stronger self-efficacy in patients with higher nutritional literacy.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should focus on enhancing nutritional literacy and self-efficacy among gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Conclusion

Addressing nutritional literacy and family dynamics may be important in managing cancer-related anorexia.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The ASCO Post, 2025 -- Study Finds No Difference in Dietary Habits Between Cancer Survivors and General Population
  2. The ASCO Post, 2025 -- Building and Sharing Dietary Evidence in Cancer Care Guest Editor
  3. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer, 2021
  4. the asco post — Building and Sharing Dietary Evidence in Cancer Care
  5. Frontiers in Oncology — Editorial: Integrating nutrition in cancer therapy: approaches to improve patient outcomes and survival
  6. Management of Cancer Cachexia: ASCO Guideline
  7. Palliative Care for Patients With Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update
  8. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer

Original Source(s)

Association between nutritional literacy and cancer anorexia among gastrointestinal cancer patients: a moderated mediation analysis on the roles of self-efficacy and family support

  • by Peiyao Zhu, Zhen Li, Hongmei Zhang, Hengyu Hu, Xin Chen, Jingwen Cao, Yan Guo

  • July 9, 2026

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