Development, feasibility and usability of an App for the correct nutrition of children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Andrea Zibaldo^1*Pio Stellato¹Gaia Sepe¹Diana Fenicia¹Armando Scognamiglio¹Francesco Zibaldo²Rosanna Parasole¹Giuseppe Menna¹

• ¹AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy
• ²University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Campania, Italy

Introduction: Proper nutrition during cancer treatment is crucial for children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), as malnutrition can impact treatment tolerance, survival, and quality of life. In ALL specifically, malnutrition at diagnosis has been associated with increased risk of infections, treatment delays, and poorer survival, while maintaining adequate nutritional status can improve treatment tolerance and long-term outcomes. Materials and methods: We developed and tested the "Hematognam" app, which provides caregivers with dietary guidance for children and adolescents undergoing chemotherapy. This study evaluates the app's feasibility and usability among families of children and adolescents with ALL over a three-month period. Results: The app received high satisfaction ratings, which validates its user-centric design and relevance in managing complex dietary challenges associated with treatment. Discussion: These results align with previous studies demonstrating the potential of digital health tools to enhance treatment compliance and overall well-being in vulnerable populations. By addressing key nutritional challenges faced by children and adolescents with ALL - such as appetite loss, food aversions, gastrointestinal side effects, and food safety concerns - the Hematognam app offers a complementary tool to existing dietary counseling, supporting both families and clinicians in daily nutritional management. The development and implementation of the "Hematognam" app proved feasible and effective in addressing the nutritional needs of children and adolescents with ALL during chemotherapy.