Journal article
Optimizing Fertility Treatment With Nutrition Guidance: Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Healthful Nutrition Among Female Cancer Survivors With Fertility Challenges
Integrative cancer therapies, v 22, pp 15347354231191984-15347354231191984
01 Jan 2023
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
INTRODUCTIONYoung women diagnosed with cancer are at an increased risk for infertility compared to women without a cancer diagnosis. Consuming a healthful diet comprised of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and unsaturated fats has been found to improve both fertility and cancer survivorship. Given this reason, dietary interventions tailored to support female cancer survivors with fertility challenges are of immense importance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators to healthful nutrition among female cancer survivors with fertility challenges, to inform the development of dietary interventions for this population. METHODSUsing a formative research design, interview, survey, and dietary intake data were collected from 20 female cancer survivors of reproductive age. Participant-check focus group discussions were conducted to validate findings. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Quantitative data were analyzed using means, standard deviations, ranges, frequencies, and percentages. RESULTSThe average age of respondents was 31.47 ± 3.5 years and the average BMI was 24.78 ± 4.1 kg/m2. All participants were college educated, 45% identified as White, 50% as Black, and 10% as Hispanic or Latinx. Cancer diagnoses included breast, thyroid, ovarian, leukemia, and gastrointestinal cancers. The following themes were identified: (1) Lack of nutrition-related resources and detailed guidance, (2) Work-life balance, (3) Perceived rigidity of dietary guidance, (4) Treatment-related fatigue, (5) Having trust in healthcare providers, (6) Higher motivation to change nutrition behavior, and (7) Recognizing the additional benefits of nutrition. CONCLUSIONThese findings indicate a sought-after yet unmet need for post-cancer treatment fertility nutrition recommendations. Interventions should be tailored to women's needs and focus on improving their self-efficacy to make healthful dietary choices.
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Details
- Title
- Optimizing Fertility Treatment With Nutrition Guidance: Exploring Barriers and Facilitators to Healthful Nutrition Among Female Cancer Survivors With Fertility Challenges
- Creators
- Cynthia Klobodu - Drexel UniversityJonathan Deutsch - Drexel UniversityMara Z Vitolins - Wake Forest UniversityKathleen Fisher - Drexel UniversityJennifer A Nasser - Drexel UniversityDahlia Stott - Drexel UniversityBrandy-Joe Milliron - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Integrative cancer therapies, v 22, pp 15347354231191984-15347354231191984
- Publisher
- Sage
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctoral Nursing; Food and Hospitality Management; Nutrition Sciences
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001045991900001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85167415742
- Other Identifier
- 991020872409404721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Integrative & Complementary Medicine
- Oncology