The distress of psychological adaptation in nutritional management among people after esophagectomy: an interpretative phenomenological study

This study revealed that persistent NISs, unmet recovery expectations, and role-identity conflicts contribute to anxiety, helplessness, and confusion regarding health identity. These findings emphasized the necessity of patient-centered nutritional interventions that address symptom-related cognitive anxiety, facilitate familial support for dietary adaptation, and balance disease risk management with the enjoyment of food. These insights provide a theoretical foundation for developing personalized, integrated nutritional and psychological support programs to enhance the mental health and quality of life of esophageal cancer survivors.