Participants expressed an interest in learning more about food, nutrition, and health through community-based programming.

Individuals living with cancer often experience multiple nutrition-related side effects from cancer treatment, including changes in taste and smell, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and pain during eating. These side effects can profoundly impact nutritional status and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore experiences with nutrition-related cancer treatment side effects among cancer patients and their family caregivers, the way they manage such side effects, and the resulting changes in food preferences and behaviors. Structured surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted. Interviews focused on the presence and management of treatment side effects, how those changes influenced food preferences, and the extent to which they interfered with quality of life. Most patients (72%) reported treatment side effects; 61% reported that these side effects impacted their eating and drinking. Common side effects included fatigue (58%), dry mouth (30%), nausea (24%), constipation (20%) and diarrhea (20%). Six overarching qualitative themes were identified: Spiral of side effects; Pain of eating; Burden of eating; Loss of taste/change in taste; Symptom management; and Solutions. The authors conclude with implications for food and nutrition practice—moving beyond traditional recommendations of what to eat or avoid—to consider the overall patient and caregiver experience.

Background: Evidence suggests that men can play a key role in influencing maternal health behaviours, potentially affecting birthing outcomes. However, that role may not be fostered in safety net programmes like the Special Supplemental Nutrition programme for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), a programme for which men do not qualify. Purpose: The primary objective of this research was to explore the experiences, expectations, and attitudes of men towards WIC. Methods: This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews of couples recruited at Philadelphia WIC. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Eight couples completed the interviews (16 independent interviews). Among participating fathers, only two fully participated in WIC. Barriers to participation was the primary theme identified as participants shared challenges from multiple sources. Subthemes, including fears of coercion, masculinity, and the unacknowledged role of fathers illustrated that these barriers were both internal and external to WIC and in alignment with the framework of the social ecological model (SEM). Conclusion:These findings indicate that paternal involvement is limited due to numerous barriers, including those attributable to WIC. Future research should investigate these barriers and their intersectionality, as well as the appropriateness of WIC as an organization to foster paternal involvement.

Background and Purpose: This study explored physical activity and nutrition beliefs, behaviors, and challenges; examined dyadic interactions; and explored lifestyle programming preferences to inform future interventions to improve the physical and mental health of patients with cancer and their caregivers. Methods: A convergent mixed-methods design with structured surveys and interviews. Descriptive statistics and quantitative comparisons were performed using SAS. Interviews were analyzed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Setting: Hope Lodge Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. Participants: Caregivers (n = 52) and patients (n = 50). Intervention and Measurements: The Godin Leisure Time Questionnaire, theory of planned behavior, and the National Cancer Institute's Food Attitudes and Behaviors Survey were embedded in structured surveys. Results: The sample was physically active with no significant changes postdiagnosis. Physical activity was lower in patients with higher fatigue, while it was higher in those with stronger intention and perceived behavioral control. Most participants believed that dietary intake was linked to health; however, there was confusion toward national recommendations. Higher levels of nutrition self-efficacy were associated with lower perceived barriers to nutrition in both groups. Participants wanted information tailored to cancer type provided in a variety of mediums by health care providers, researchers, and cancer centers. Limitations: Physically active sample of convenience, recall bias with questionnaires. Conclusions: Perceived behavioral control, intention to exercise, and education about using exercise for fatigue management and mental health should be emphasized. Nutrition interventions should focus on addressing barriers, clarifying guidelines, and operationalizing recommendations. Information should be specific to cancer type and include support for caregivers.

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