Diet Quality and the Number of Comorbidities Are Associated with General Health Among Older Female Cancer Survivors.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the associations between diet quality, general health, and comorbidities among older female cancer survivors. Methods: Participants (n = 171) completed one-time surveys to assess health-related quality of life (RAND-36), diet quality (Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015)), and number of comorbidities. Additional demographic and clinical variables were collected. Descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance, correlations, and linear regressions were utilized. Results: A positive correlation was found between HEI-2015 and general health subscale scores (r =.26, p =.002). A negative correlation was found between the number of comorbidities and general health (r = −.21, p =.02). Being white (β = −.24, p =.02) and having fewer comorbidities (β = −.22, p =.04) were significantly associated with higher general health. Being unmarried (β =.24, p =.02) and having higher education (β =.32, p =.002) were significantly associated with higher HEI-2015 scores. Discussion: Healthcare providers should seek guidance from registered dietitian nutritionists for nutritional education to promote optimal nutritional status, thus contributing to improved general health among this growing population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]