Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Jul 19, 2025
Date Accepted: Apr 29, 2026
Digital Media Use in Pediatric Cancer: An Intensive Longitudinal Study on Mukbang Watching and Its Impact on Appetite, Nutrition, and Quality of Life
ABSTRACT
Background:
Malnutrition is prevalent among children with cancer, often exacerbated by diminished appetite. To combat this, hospitalized children increasingly adopt Mukbang, a popular online eating show genre.
Objective:
This study assessed Mukbang watching’s impact on appetite, nutrition, and quality of life in children with cancer.
Methods:
From September 2022 to February 2023, an intensive longitudinal study involved 179 children undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy at two tertiary hospitals in Guangzhou, China. Daily Mukbang watching and appetite data were collected for five consecutive days. Nutrition and quality of life were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Latent class analysis (LCA) and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used.
Results:
Among participants, 63.7% (114/179) watched Mukbang during hospitalization, forming Low (C2), Medium (C3), and High (C4) watching groups. Compared to the Never group, Medium and High groups showed improved appetite (C3: odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.14; P=.006, C4: OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.19; P=.002) and better nutrition (C3: OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.41–6.66; P=.005, C4: OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.33–9.58; P=.01). However, the Medium group showed poorer quality of life (C3: OR 0.01, 95% CI 0.001–0.44; P=.02) than the Never group.
Conclusions:
Mukbang watching was linked to improvements in appetite and nutrition, demonstrating symptom management potential, but showed nuanced effects on quality of life in children with cancer. Future research should identify key components and optimal watching strategies for maximizing benefits.
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