<![CDATA[Background: Chemotherapy is commonly used to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. However, its side effects may reduce nutrient intake, increase the risk of malnutrition, and adversely affect the patients’ quality of life, treatment response, and therapeutic outcomes. Evidence regarding factors associated with the risk of malnutrition among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Indonesia, particularly in Palembang, is limited.Objective: This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the risk of malnutrition among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Palembang.Methods: This analytical observational study used a cross-sectional design and involved 110 respondents recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the SNAQ (appetite), DASS-42 (stress level), B-IPQ (illness perception), SQ-FFQ for food intake during the previous month, PG-SGA for malnutrition risk, and body mass index (BMI) measurements for assessing nutritional status. Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test with a significance level of p < 0.005.Results: Of the 110 respondents, 78 (70.9%) were at risk of malnutrition and 32 (29.1%) were not. Among the variables examined, cancer stage and appetite were significantly associated with the risk of malnutrition (p = 0.013 and p = 0.001, respectively). The proportion of respondents at risk of malnutrition was higher among those with advanced-stage cancer (78.4%) than among those with early stage cancer (55.6%). Patients with early stage cancer had lower odds of malnutrition than those with advanced-stage cancer (OR 0.345; 95% CI 0.146–0.814).Conclusion: Cancer stage and appetite are significantly associated with the risk of malnutrition. Nutritional screening and interventions should prioritize appetite management, particularly in patients with advanced-stage cancer.]]>
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