ASPO Abstracts

Childhood Cancer Survivor Family Meal Preparation Practices are similar to non-Survivors and do not meet National Recommended Dietary Intake Targets.

Authors: Raber MP, Sharma SV, Baranowski T, Crawford K, Schick V, Markham C, Steinman E, Chandra J

Category: Survivorship & Health Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research
Conference Year: 2019

Abstract Body:
Purpose: Survival rates for pediatric cancers have risen dramatically since the 1970s, but childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at increased risk for obesity, heart disease and secondary cancers throughout life. Nutrition interventions targeting CCS families may support the health and wellness of survivors, but there is a dearth of research on survivor family food habits. The purpose of this communication is to describe and compare the food preparation practices of CCS and non-CCS families.Methods: Dyads consisting of one parent with one CCS or non-CCS child aged 5 to 17 were recruited for this study. Usual dinner preparation events were both observed and video recorded in participant homes. Data was analyzed using an index of nutrition-optimizing cooking practices relevant to survivor wellness. Other metrics collected demographics, BMI and the nutrient composition of prepared meals.Results: A total of forty parent-child dyads participated in this study. No major differences in overall food preparation index score, or specific food preparation behaviors were found between the CCS and non-CCS families. Both groups prepared meals with similar nutrient compositions during the observation sessions. Both groups’ meals included excessive sugar, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate and protein content per serving than nationally recommended intakes.Conclusions: This study revealed areas for practical nutrition intervention in CCS and non-CCS families including reducing the use of animal fats and processed foods, and increasing the replacement of refined grains with whole grains during meal preparation. Future studies should consider adopting and tailoring nutrition intervention methods that have been successful in non-CCS communities in targeting these practices.

Keywords: childhood cancer, survivorship, nutrition