Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41952279›Full record

ArticleNursing open2026

Nutrition Knowledge in Oncology Nursing: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Care and Practice Implications.

Giuseppe Alaimo, Stefano Mancin, Sergio Ferrante, Emanuela Morenghi, Sara Morales Palomares, Daniela Cattani, Simone Cosmai, Diego Lopane, Fabio Petrelli, Giovanni Cangelosi and 1 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Nursing open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Giuseppe AlaimoDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.
Stefano MancinDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4988-4391
Sergio FerranteIRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Emanuela MorenghiDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.
Sara Morales PalomaresDepartment of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences (DFSSN), University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
Daniela CattaniDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1214-7811
Simone CosmaiDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5101-0207
Diego LopaneDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4822-5001
Fabio PetrelliSchool of Pharmacy, Polo Medicina Sperimentale e Sanità Pubblica, Camerino, Italy.
Giovanni CangelosiUnit of Diabetology, Asur Marche, Fermo, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8523-6906
Beatrice MazzoleniDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3870-1238

Funding

BIBLIOSAN
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCancer-related malnutrition affects 40%-90% of oncology patients and contributes to increased treatment toxicity and mortality. Nurses play a pivotal role in early nutritional screening and intervention, yet their nutritional competencies remain insufficiently investigated, particularly in specialised oncology settings.

aimTo evaluate the nutritional competencies of nurses, considering both their general nutritional knowledge and their specific expertise related to nursing practice.

designCross-sectional study.

methodsA total of 91 oncology nurses from Northern Italy participated, completing a validated nutritional knowledge questionnaire and a self-assessment of their competencies. Associations between demographic factors and knowledge scores were analysed.

resultsThe mean knowledge score was 20.0 ± 1.9 out of 30, indicating moderate understanding. Nurses aged 51-60 and those with over 10 years of experience scored significantly higher (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between education level and knowledge scores. Nurses reported low confidence in using malnutrition screening tools, and self-assessed competencies did not correlate with actual knowledge.

conclusionsOncology nurses possess moderate nutritional knowledge, with professional experience contributing more than formal education. Implementing comprehensive nutrition education at the undergraduate level, continuous professional development and fostering interprofessional collaboration are essential to enhance the quality of care and improve patient outcomes in oncology settings. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings highlight the need for enhanced nutritional education for oncology nurses to improve their confidence and competence in nutritional care. This is crucial for providing optimal care and improving patient outcomes in oncology settings. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The study underscores the importance of involving oncology nurses in continuous education and interprofessional collaboration, ultimately benefiting patients through better management of nutrition-related issues in cancer care.

Indexed as

Clinical CompetenceHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeMalnutritionOncology NursingAdultCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleHumansItalyMaleMiddle AgedNeoplasmsSurveys and Questionnairescancerknowledgenursenutritiononcology careself‐assessment

Identifiers

PMID41952279
PMCPMC13062260

What OpenQuestion holds

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.