Enhancing short-term recovery after gastric cancer surgery: an information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model with nutritional support

Future Oncol. 2025 Aug 5:1-10. doi: 10.1080/14796694.2025.2543231. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To evaluate the short-term efficacy of an Information – Motivation – Behavioral Skills (IMB) model-based intervention combined with perioperative nutritional support in improving postoperative recovery in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 250 gastric cancer patients were allocated to either an intervention group (IMB model + individualized nutritional support, n = 125) or a control group (standard care, n = 125). The 15-day intervention targeted key recovery dimensions: sleep quality, nutritional status, pain, psychological well-being, and quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS: Compared to controls, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores (-2.16 ± 0.74 vs. -1.32 ± 0.69), serum albumin levels (+5.56 ± 1.43 g/L vs. +2.03 ± 1.21 g/L), and global QoL based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30; +21.14 ± 6.91 vs. +9.04 ± 5.87; all P < 0.001). Pain (Visual Analog Scale), anxiety (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale), and depression (Self-Rating Depression Scale) scores also improved significantly.

CONCLUSION: IMB-guided psychosocial intervention with tailored nutritional support significantly enhanced short-term recovery. Further studies are needed to validate long-term efficacy.

PMID:40763274 | DOI:10.1080/14796694.2025.2543231