Physical Activity and Nutrition-Related Beliefs, Behaviors, and Challenges in Individuals Living With Cancer and Their Caregivers

Abstract

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.

Optimizing Fertility Treatment With Nutrition Guidance: Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Healthful Nutrition Among Female Cancer Survivors With Fertility Challenges

“…Studies have found that receiving guidance and clear recommendations from trusted sources, such as healthcare providers, positively influences cancer survivors' motivation to change their nutrition behavior. [50][51][52] For example, a qualitative study in the UK by Beeken et al among adult cancer survivors exploring their beliefs about dietary quality and cancer found participants to be skeptical about nutrition information from sources other than healthcare providers. 51 Similarly, in another study that investigated the influence of nutritional information on dietary behaviors among Dutch cancer survivors, respondents indicated that they preferred to receive nutrition information from healthcare professionals (oncology nurses, registered dietitians, and doctors).…”

“Keep Your Chin Up, and Keep Eating”: Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Healthful Dietary Behaviors Among Individuals With Gastrointestinal Cancer and Caregivers

“…Several studies have reported caregivers as a primary influence of patient dietary change. 16,[48][49][50] For example, in a study among patients with colorectal cancer and their caregivers, Lee et al found that patients were more likely to adopt healthful diets if their caregivers prioritized improving their own diets. 50 Similarly, in two qualitative investigations of barriers and facilitators of dietary change after prostate cancer diagnosis, Kassianos et al and Avery et al found that participants' wives and partners played central roles in food choice and preparation.…”

“…13,14 In addition to poor prognosis, caregivers report that patient weight loss, malnutrition, and further deterioration of patients’ nutrition status are major sources of distress, negatively impacting their own emotional and physical wellbeing. 8,15,16…”

“…13,14 In addition to poor prognosis, caregivers report that patient weight loss, malnutrition, and further deterioration of patients' nutrition status are major sources of distress, negatively impacting their own emotional and physical wellbeing. 8,15,16 Caregivers play an important role in promoting patient survival and are a high-risk group themselves. Yet, few nutritionrelated supportive care interventions for caregivers exist despite caregivers' reported need for this type of support.…”

“…Yet, few nutrition-related supportive care interventions for caregivers exist despite caregivers’ reported need for this type of support. 8,13,16,17 The overarching goal of this research was to inform the development of future behavioral dietary interventions to improve nutrition-related caregiver capacity and the nutrition of both patient and caregiver through changes in dietary intake at the household level. The aim of this study was to seek the perspectives of patients who were undergoing GI cancer treatment and their caregivers to explore barriers and facilitators to healthful dietary behaviors, including caregiver preparedness, patient and caregiver self-efficacy for symptom management, and other environmental, social, and familial factors.…”