Exploration of lifestyle behaviours pre and post prostate cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative research study exploring the dietary habits and weight management practices of men with prostate cancer and their partners/caregivers.
IRAS ID
233933
Contact name
Roisin O'Neill
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfast
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 0 days
Research summary
In their guidance for Cancer Survivors, the World Cancer Research Fund highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding becoming overweight. Greater body fatness may be associated with poorer disease outcomes and increased risk of diseases such as Diabetes & Heart Disease. Body weight is an important consideration for men receiving hormone therapies for prostate cancer as this treatment can lead to weight gain and increases in fat mass. Interventions to encourage healthier lifestyle habits to support weight maintenance, and where necessary, weight loss in men with prostate cancer are important. We have noted several gaps in the literature in this area and it is important to address these gaps to help inform the development of future interventions. Within this qualitative study we aim to: 1) develop an understanding of patients dietary and physical activity practices pre and post diagnosis and determine their openness to lifestyle intervention during this time, particularly their thoughts and attitudes towards weight loss advice, 2) understand the role of partners and caregivers in healthy lifestyle practices, and 3) consider techniques which may help assist or motivate patients to change behaviours, for example: goal setting, social support etc. We aim to recruit 25-30 patients and their partners/caregivers to complete a one-off interview (approximately 1 hour in duration) exploring this in more detail. A questionnaire on demographic and clinical characteristics will be completed by patients and their partner/caregiver. The data generated during interviews will be analysed using thematic analysis – a type of qualitative analysis exploring recurring themes in the data. The data collected for this study will contribute to the development of an evidence base informing a future lifestyle intervention for prostate cancer patients.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SC/0425
Date of REC Opinion
8 Aug 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion