PERIOPERATIVE MALNUTRITION AND ITS IMPACT ON FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY IN ELDERLY LUNG CANCER PATIENTS: A MULTI-FACTOR LOGISTIC REGRESSION ANALYSIS WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of perioperative malnutrition in elderly patients with lung cancer, using logistic regression analysis, with a focus on its impact on functional recovery, rehabilitation, and physical activity levels. Methods: A total of 133 elderly patients with lung cancer who underwent surgical treatment between March 2022 and November 2023 were assessed using the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool. Based on the results, patients were categorized into a malnutrition group (n = 52, 39.10%) and a non-malnutrition group (n = 81, 60.90%). Medical records were reviewed, and single-factor and multi-factor logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors. Key parameters such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, presence of complications, physical exercise levels, hemoglobin, total protein, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score, and tumor stage were analyzed to determine their association with perioperative malnutrition. Results: The incidence of perioperative malnutrition in elderly lung cancer patients was 39.10%. Single-factor analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) between malnourished and non-malnourished groups concerning radiotherapy and chemotherapy, complications, physical exercise levels, hemoglobin, total protein, KPS score, and tumor stage. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that radiotherapy and chemotherapy, presence of complications, lower physical exercise levels, reduced hemoglobin and total protein levels, lower KPS scores, and advanced tumor stage were significant independent risk factors for perioperative malnutrition (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Perioperative malnutrition is highly prevalent among elderly lung cancer patients, and multiple interrelated factors contribute to its occurrence. Given the strong correlation between nutritional status, functional recovery, and physical activity levels, targeted intervention strategies should be implemented to optimize perioperative nutrition, enhance physical rehabilitation, and support postoperative recovery. These findings highlight the need for multidisciplinary approaches, including exercise-based rehabilitation and nutritional interventions, to improve surgical outcomes and quality of life in elderly lung cancer patients.