Quality‐of‐life changes and influencing factors among patients receiving home enteral nutrition: A longitudinal study

Abstract Background Home enteral nutrition (HEN) is a reliable and effective intervention. However, the impact of HEN on the changes in quality of life (QoL) over time remains unexplored. We aimed to investigate changes in QoL, emotional well‐being, and functional status over time and identify the factors associated with QoL in patients requiring HEN. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of 288 patients requiring HEN who were discharged from the Clinical Nutrition Therapy Center of a tertiary care teaching hospital in China between December 1, 2014, and April 31, 2024. Data on demographics, laboratory analysis results, bioelectrical impedance analysis results, physical function, emotional status, and QoL were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. Results Patients requiring HEN had QoL scores of 52.83 ± 14.01, 54.11 ± 14.79, and 56.78 ± 14.29 at discharge, 3‐month follow‐up, and 6‐month follow‐up, respectively. The Short Form 36 scores increased by 0.66 points per month (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40–0.91; P < 0.05), whereas the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores increased by 2.56 points per month (95% CI: 2.38–2.75; P < 0.05). The Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS) declined by 1.33 (95% CI: −1.46 to −1.21; P < 0.05) and 0.38 (95% CI: −0.57 to −0.20; P < 0.05) points, respectively, each month. Multivariate analysis identified that complications ( β = 7.191; P < 0.001), SAS (β = −0.135; P = 0.029), SDS (β = −0.293; P < 0.001), and KPS (β = 0.126; P = 0.003) were factors associated with QoL. Conclusion QoL improved continuously among patients receiving HEN; however, it remained suboptimal. Healthcare providers should offer comprehensive, continuous, and dynamic support to help patients reintegrate into their social lives.