Published Paper Details:

Pediatric cancer patients are vulnerable to malnutrition. They exhibit increased needs during disease and treatment. Pediatric friendly nutrition education tool for cancer patients in vernacular medium could address nutritional issues and compliance. Vernacular board game focusing on neutropenic diet was developed, validated for content and approved by practicing dietitians. Questionnaires in local languages to test efficacy, acceptance and relevance were also developed. The Hindi translated board game was tested on 10 pediatric cancer patients (7-10 years) with no specificity to the type of cancer. Responses were taken before and after the intervention and analyzed by T-test and percentages. Statistical significance was considered when p value was < 0.05. Study showed that patients were aware of neutropenic diet and its benefits, but lacked information about complications of noncompliance, and approved food lists. Post intervention, all patients� knowledge about neutropenic diet improved. The results found were statistically significant (p value 0.00). All patients liked the tools and agreed that it helped in understanding nutrition. Characteristics, appearance (100%), informative (60%), interactive (90%) and enjoyable (90%) were rated highest by patients. Nutrition education has positive effect in improving knowledge about nutrition among pediatric cancer patients. Further research is required to bring about a greater change in the health of pediatric cancer patients in the languages understood by them.