An exploration of needs and preferences for dietary support in colorectal cancer survivors: A mixed-methods study

PLoS One. 2017 Dec 18;12(12):e0189178. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189178. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the proportion of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors who perceive a need for dietary support; to examine which socio-demographic, cancer-related, and health-related characteristics are associated with this need; to explore reasons for (not) needing support; and to explore CRC survivors' specific needs and preferences with regard to lifestyle (i.e., dietary, exercise, and/or weight management) support.

Methods: This mixed-methods study comprised a cross-sectional survey among 1774 Dutch CRC survivors and three focus groups (n = 16). To examine associations, logistic regression analyses were conducted. Focus groups were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results: Of 1458 respondents (82%), 1198 (67.5%) were included for analyses. 17.5% reported a need for dietary support. Characteristics associated with this need were: being younger, living without a partner, having a stoma, having diabetes, and being overweight or obese. The main reason for needing support was being unable to initiate and maintain lifestyle changes without support. CRC survivors preferred receiving information soon after diagnosis to make an autonomous, informed decision on improving their lifestyle. They preferred to receive individually-tailored lifestyle support in an autonomy-supportive environment, preferably with involvement of their family and fellow-sufferers.

Conclusions: This study has provided knowledge on appropriate support for CRC survivors in need for dietary support to improve health outcomes by promoting adherence to lifestyle and body weight recommendations. Findings can be used to better identify CRC survivors in need for dietary support, and to tailor lifestyle support to their needs and preferences in order to promote uptake, adherence, and effectiveness.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diet therapy*
  • Demography
  • Diet*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Food Preferences*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors*

Grants and funding

This study was funded by a grant from the Dutch Cancer Society/ Alpe D’HuZes (http://www.kwf.nl; VUL 2011-5234, received by EK), and was based on studies supported by the Dutch Cancer Society/ Alpe D’HuZes (UM 2012-5653) and a VENI grant (#451-10-041) from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, The Hague, The Netherlands received by FM: http://www.nwo.nl/en. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.