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

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