The feasibility of the Prostate cancer: Evidence of Exercise and Nutrition Trial (PrEvENT) dietary and physical activity modifications: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that low levels of physical activity and diets low in fruit and vegetables and high in meat and dairy products are risk factors for prostate cancer disease progression. The Prostate cancer: Evidence of Exercise and Nutrition Trial (PrEvENT) aimed to assess a diet and physical activity intervention in men undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer. The trial included a qualitative component to explore the experiences of men participating in the trial in order to understand the acceptability of the intervention and data collection methods. We report the qualitative findings of the trial and consider how these can be used to inform future research.MethodsPrEvENT involved randomizing men to either a dietary and/or physical activity intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 17 men on completion of the 6 month trial. Interviews took place in clinic or as telephone interviews, if requested by the participant, and were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the thematic-based framework approach. Analysis was conducted throughout the data collection process to allow emergent themes to be further explored in subsequent interviews.ResultsThree overarching themes were identified: acceptability of the intervention, acceptability of the data collection methods and trial logistics. Participants were predominantly positive about both the dietary and physical activity interventions and most men found the methods of data collection appropriate. Recommendations for future trials include consideration of alternative physical activity options, such as cycling or gym sessions, increased information on portion sizes, the potential importance of including wives or partners in the dietary change process and the possibility of using the pedometer or other wearable technology as part of the physical activity intervention.ConclusionsWe provide insight into the opinions and experiences of the acceptability of the PrEvENT diet and physical activity intervention from the participants themselves. The interventions delivered were acceptable to this sample of participants, as were the data collection methods utilized. We also highlight some considerations for further behavioural change interventions in prostate cancer and other similar populations.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN99048944. Registered on 17 November 2014.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1828-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Experiences of a nutrition intervention—A qualitative study within a randomised controlled trial in men undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer

“…Important referents such as spouses, close friends or physicians, who are positive to the proposed changes may influence a person to perform the behaviour. This willingness to contribute to research has also been reported in previous qualitative studies among men with prostate cancer . The majority of the informants were married, and mentioned the support from their wives who engaged in the nutrition intervention and cooked appropriate food.…”

“…This willingness to contribute to research has also been reported in previous qualitative studies among men with prostate cancer. 3,5 The majority of the informants were married, and mentioned the support from their wives who engaged in the nutrition intervention and cooked appropriate food. Changing one's dietary habits during cancer treatment may be experienced as less strenuous when significant others are included to participate in dietary counselling in the clinic, and also in the research setting, as they can offer support and help with the planning and preparation of food.…”

“…Exploring the determinants of behavioural intention are important because these factors precede the actual change of behaviour. Previous qualitative research among men with prostate cancer has shown that the acceptability of the intervention, and whether the intervention is considered easy to comply with, will affect the decision to maintain a new behaviour over a longer period of time . Furthermore, knowing that there is an evidence‐based reason behind the proposed behavioural change may also encourage perseverance …”

“…Previous qualitative research among men with prostate cancer has shown that the acceptability of the intervention, and whether the intervention is considered easy to comply with, will affect the decision to maintain a new behaviour over a longer period of time. 3,5 Furthermore, knowing that there is an evidence-based reason behind the proposed behavioural change may also encourage perseverance. 3 Nutrition interventions in cancer care can be initiated for various reasons, for example, to prevent and treat malnutrition, to reduce the side effects of cancer treatments and to improve quality of life.…”

Evaluation of overall survival rate of different therapies in the treatment of T1–T3 prostate cancer: a network meta-analysis

“…The wellestablished risk factors for PC are complex, including diet, physical activity, age, race/ethnicity, and a family history of the disease, etc. [3][4][5]. PC can be divided into the following three stages: localized stage, regional stage and distant stage [6].…”