Design and rationale for NOURISH-T: a randomized control trial targeting parents of overweight children off cancer treatment

Cancer-Related Barriers to Health Behaviors Among Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Pediatric Cancer and Their Families

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of pediatric cancer and their caregivers frequently do not meet national guidelines for physical activity (PA), nutrition, or sleep. Respondents from N = 73 AYA-aged (mean [M] = 19.0 years, range = 11-30 years) survivor families completed a survey on cancer-related barriers to health behaviors. Almost all respondents (68/73, 93.2%) endorsed ≥1 cancer-specific barrier(s) to current health behaviors (median = 5, standard deviation = 3.42, range = 0-16) in their family. Cancer-related barriers to PA, nutrition, and sleep were positively correlated (PA-nutrition: r = 0.39, p = 0.001; PA-sleep: r = 0.41, p < 0.001; nutrition-sleep: r = 0.52, p < 0.001). Wellness interventions are needed to address the unique needs of AYA-aged survivors and support multiple health behaviors simultaneously.

Intervention empowerment of families in preventing and controlling overweight and obesity in children: A systematic review

There have been an increasing overweight and obesity in very anxious children. Furthermore, obesity is a condition that occurs due to the accumulation of excess or abnormal fat. This disorder is believed to be the most significant public health problem that affects children in the 21^st century. This study aimed to examine the literature review, articles and research results analyzing the effectiveness of family or parent empowerment interventions through health education. Many research articles were searched on several databases such as PubMed and PreQuest, using the following keywords which include “family empowerment”, “overweight”, “obesity”, “health lifestyle”, “BMI”, “children”, “RCT” starting from 2014 to 2019. The searched results obtained 162 articles on family empowerment, overweight and obesity. Out of the 162 articles, 20 were selected that discussed family empowerment interventions for overweight and obesity. Critical analysis of the 20 articles was carried out based on design, sample, treatment, parameters, findings and conclusions. The literature review analysis showed that family empowerment interventions in the form of health education or promotion activities vary widely in terms of methods, components, duration, individuals involved, specificity and effectiveness. Furthermore, this intervention consists of training activities, courses, and teaching practices. Statistical analysis showed that all these methods significantly increased the ability and independence of the family in controlling overweight and obesity. In conclusion, health education interventions that are packaged in various programs are proven to significantly improve the ability of families or parents in preventing and controlling overweight and obesity in children.

Developing Adaptando Dieta Y Acción Para Todos (ADAPT): An Intervention to Improve Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Among Latino Parents and Children Living in Rural Communities

Latino migrant farmworkers are at great risk of obesity and its concomitant negative health impacts. Obesity interventions for this underserved, minority population are limited. We expanded upon our prior intervention work in childhood obesity to develop a multi-family, behavioral intervention, ADAPT. We conducted three phases in the development of the ADAPT program: Phase 1, a needs assessment, Phase 2, in-depth focus groups with Latino parents, their children, and stakeholders, and Phase 3, a feasibility and acceptability trial to inform program optimization. Acceptability and feasibility of ADAPT promoting healthier eating and physical activity behaviors was found. Each phase of the project led to implementation changes to ADAPT, resulting in greater intervention optimization. Participants reported key facilitators and barriers to our intervention, expressing great interest in participation. They particularly liked our mindfulness session. We are currently examining the feasibility of integrating mindfulness to optimize ADAPT efficacy.

Design and rationale for ADAPT+: Optimizing an intervention to promote healthy behaviors in rural, Latino youth with obesity and their parents, using mindfulness strategies

Latino youth living in rural areas represent an ethnic and geographical minority population at increased risk for obesity and obesity-related complications. We previously modified our child obesity intervention to be a multi-family behavioral intervention, Adaptando Dieta y Acción Para Todos (ADAPT), to better meet the needs of our target population, rural Latino youth with obesity (8-12 years old) and their parents. Recognizing the role of parent stress on obesity, the main goal of this study is to 1) further refine and optimize the original ADAPT multi-family behavioral obesity intervention protocol to include mindfulness parent stress reduction strategies (now called ADAPT+) and then 2) assess the feasibility of ADAPT+ implementation via a small randomized control trial (RCT) with rural Latino families. Two aims guide the study. For Aim 1 we conduct a series of focus groups with stakeholders and parents, and then conduct a one-arm trial with both parents and their children to obtain feedback for further refining each of our eight integrated ADAPT+ sessions. Aim 2 tests the acceptability and feasibility of our intervention with multi-family groups of Latinos in two rural communities over time (pre-intervention, post-intervention, 3-month follow-up) in a randomized pilot trial (ADAPT+ vs. Enhanced Usual Care [EUC] comparison). This study is intended to set the groundwork for a larger clinical trial to test ADAPT+'s efficacy to improve rural Latino families' eating and physical activity behaviors.

Nutrition education and cooking workshops for families of children with cancer: a feasibility study

Background

Changes in food intake are common in children with cancer and are often caused by nausea and perturbations in sense of taste. The VIE (Valorization, Implication, Education) study proposes family-based nutrition and cooking education workshops during childhood cancer treatments. Process evaluation during implementation allows to assess if the intervention was delivered as planned and to determine its barriers and facilitators. The study objective was to describe the implementation process of a nutrition education and cooking workshop program for families of children actively treated for cancer in a non-randomized non-controlled feasibility study.

Methods

Six open-to-all in-hospital workshops were offered on a weekly basis during a one-year implementation phase. We collected qualitative and quantitative data using field notes and activity reports completed by the registered dietician facilitator; surveys and questionnaires fulfilled by the workshop participants and by the families enrolled in the VIE study. Field notes were used to collect only qualitative data. Survey respondents (n = 26) were mostly mothers (n = 19, 73%). Children’s mean age was 7.80 (± 4.99) years and the mean time since diagnosis was 7.98 (± 0.81) months. Qualitative data were codified using hybrid content analysis. The first deductive analysis was based on the Steckler & Linnan concepts. Subthemes were then identified inductively. Quantitative data were presented with descriptive statistics.

Results

Workshop attendance was low (17 participants over 1 year) and 71% of the planned workshops were cancelled due to lack of participants. The principal barriers to participation referred the child’s medical condition, parental presence required at the child’s bedside and challenges related to logistics and time management. The level of interest in the topics addressed was found high or very high for 92% of the participants. The themes that were perceived as the most useful by parents were related to the child’s specific medical condition.

Conclusions

Despite high interest, workshops delivered in a face-to-face format were poorly feasible in our sample population. This supports the need to develop educational programs in pediatric oncology using strategies and delivery formats that address the major barriers for participation encountered by families.

NOURISH-T: Targeting caregivers to improve health behaviors in pediatric cancer survivors with obesity

BACKGROUND

Obesity rates in pediatric cancer survivors (PCS) are alarmingly high. Although healthy lifestyle changes may prevent future health complications, promoting healthy behaviors in PCS is challenging, and few interventions have successfully addressed this issue.

PROCEDURE

This randomized control trial evaluated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a parent-focused six-session intervention, NOURISH-T (Nourishing Our Understanding of Role Modeling to Improve Support and Health for Healthy Transitions), compared with enhanced usual care (EUC) on the outcomes of caregiver and PCS anthropometric measurements, eating behaviors, and physical activity. Behavioral and self-report assessments of caregivers and PCS in both conditions were conducted at baseline, postintervention, and at a 4-month follow-up.

RESULTS

In comparison to no change among EUC caregivers, NOURISH-T caregivers showed small yet significant decreases from baseline through follow-up on BMI, waist-hip ratio, and total daily caloric intake. However, there was no change with regard to daily fat and sugar intake. NOURISH-T caregivers also showed positive changes in their child feeding behaviors, including decreases in pressuring their child to eat and restricting their child's eating and increased eating together as a family. Similarly, decreases in BMI percentile, waist-hip ratio, and sugary beverage consumption were found for NOURISH-T PCS from baseline to postintervention. NOURISH-T PCS also significantly increased their daily steps, whereas EUC PCS decreased their daily steps.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that an intervention targeting parents is feasible and demonstrates preliminary effectiveness. NOURISH-T showed a longer term effect on caregivers, and, although shorter term effect, a positive impact on the PCS themselves. Implications for ways to improve NOURISH-T as an intervention for increasing healthy behaviors of PCS are discussed.

Research- and Practice-Based Nutrition Education and Cooking Workshops in Pediatric Oncology: Protocol for Implementation and Development of Curriculum

BACKGROUND

Progresses in childhood cancer treatment, diagnosis, and management have resulted in childhood cancer survival rates of over 80%. However, this therapeutic success comes with a heavy price: two-thirds of childhood cancer survivors will be affected by further complications, including cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Adequate nutrition during cancer treatment is essential to ensure the child's optimal development, improve tolerance to treatments, and can contribute to lower the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. Side effects of cancer treatments can negatively impact children's nutritional intake and eating behaviors. Involving the families of childhood cancer patients in educational workshops could be a promising avenue to promote healthy eating during and after cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to develop, validate, and implement a family-based nutrition education and cooking workshop curriculum in a pediatric oncology setting that addresses the nutritional issues encountered during treatments while promoting the adoption of healthy eating habits for the prevention of long-term cardiometabolic effects.

METHODS

The workshops were developed and validated following an 8-step iterative process, including a review of the literature and consultations with a steering committee. An evaluation tool was also developed. A nonrandomized study protocol was elaborated to implement the workshops and measure their impact. The themes of the 6 research- and practice-based lessons are as follows: meal fortification during cancer treatment, changes in taste during cancer therapy and their impact on children, adapting diet to eating-related side effects of treatments, nutritional support during cancer treatment, Mediterranean diet and health, and planning quick and economic meals. The validation process included consultations with the institution's clinical nutrition professionals. Self-administered post questionnaires were developed according to the content of each workshop to measure short-term outcomes, namely, participants' perception of knowledge acquisition, behavioral intention, and satisfaction. Medium-term outcomes that will be evaluated are participants' anthropometric profile, quality of the diet, and circulating biomarkers of metabolic health.

RESULTS

The project was funded in 2016 and enrollment will be completed in 2021. Data analysis is currently under way and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

This research- and practice-based nutrition education and cooking demonstration curriculum could be a valuable complement to a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention for the prevention of long-term cardiometabolic complications in childhood cancer.

Diet and exercise interventions for pediatric cancer patients during therapy: tipping the scales for better outcomes

Obesity at diagnosis is a negative prognostic indicator for several pediatric cancers including acute leukemia and bone tumors. Incidence of obesity in children has increased three-fold over the past 2 decades, and causes for this include poor diet, excessive caloric intake, and lack of physical activity, which are collectively referred to as energy balance-related behaviors. Few energy balance interventions have been implemented in pediatric cancer patients during treatment, and here we will probe the rationale for pursuing such studies. The need to modify composition of calories consumed and to identify specific beneficial exercise regimens will be discussed, relative to weight reduction or management.

Weight Trajectories of Israeli Pediatric Cancer Survivors

Objective

Cross-national replication of the high rates of overweight/obesity among U.S. pediatric cancer survivors (PCS) is limited. Predictors of weight trajectories of Israeli PCS were examined from diagnosis and end of active cancer treatment to 3 years posttreatment.

Methods

World Health Organization-derived body mass index (z-BMI) values were calculated at each time point from medical records of 135 Israeli PCS ( M diagnosis age = 11.4). A three-section piecewise multilevel model including age, ethnicity, gender, treatment length, and diagnosis as predictors was used to estimate z-BMI trajectories.

Results

Most participants remained at a healthy weight at all time points. Differing weight trajectories emerged for PCS diagnosed with lymphoma/leukemia versus other cancer diagnoses from diagnosis to end of treatment, but similar weight change patterns were observed posttreatment.

Conclusion

Replication of U.S. PCS weight trajectories was not observed in Israeli PCS, suggesting the importance of exploring environmental risk factors contributing to obesity among PCS.

Nutritional interventions for survivors of childhood cancer

BACKGROUND

Childhood cancer survivors are at a higher risk of developing health conditions such as osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease than their peers. Health-promoting behaviour, such as consuming a healthy diet, could lessen the impact of these chronic issues, yet the prevalence rate of health-protecting behaviour amongst survivors of childhood cancer is similar to that of the general population. Targeted nutritional interventions may prevent or reduce the incidence of these chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of this review was to assess the efficacy of a range of nutritional interventions designed to improve the nutritional intake of childhood cancer survivors, as compared to a control group of childhood cancer survivors who did not receive the intervention. Secondary objectives were to assess metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, measures of weight and body fat distribution, behavioural change, changes in knowledge regarding disease risk and nutritional intake, participants' views of the intervention, measures of health status and quality of life, measures of harm associated with the process or outcomes of the intervention, and cost-effectiveness of the intervention

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the electronic databases of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2013, Issue 3), MEDLINE/PubMed (from 1945 to April 2013), and Embase/Ovid (from 1980 to April 2013). We ran the search again in August 2015; we have not yet fully assessed these results, but we have identified one ongoing trial. We conducted additional searching of ongoing trial registers - the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number register and the National Institutes of Health register (both screened in the first half of 2013) - reference lists of relevant articles and reviews, and conference proceedings of the International Society for Paediatric Oncology and the International Conference on Long-Term Complications of Treatment of Children and Adolescents for Cancer (both 2008 to 2012).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of a nutritional intervention with a control group which did not receive the intervention in this review. Participants were childhood cancer survivors of any age, diagnosed with any type of cancer when less than 18 years of age. Participating childhood cancer survivors had completed their treatment with curative intent prior to the intervention.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected and extracted data from each identified study, using a standardised form. We assessed the validity of each identified study using the criteria outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We used the GRADE criteria to assess the quality of each trial.

MAIN RESULTS

Three RCTs were eligible for review. A total of 616 participants were included in the analysis. One study included participants who had been treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) (275 participants). Two studies included participants who had all forms of paediatric malignancies (266 and 75 participants). All participants were less than 21 years of age at study entry. The follow-up ranged from one month to 36 months from the initial assessment. All intended outcomes were not evaluated by each included study. All studies looked at different interventions, and so we were unable to pool results. We could not rule out the presence of bias in any of the studies.There was no clear evidence of a difference in calcium intake at one month between those who received the single, half-day, group-based education that focused on bone health, and those who received standard care (mean difference (MD) 111.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) -258.97 to 482.17; P = 0.56, low quality evidence). A regression analysis, adjusting for baseline calcium intake and changes in knowledge and self-efficacy, showed a significantly greater calcium intake for the intervention as compared with the control group at the one-month follow-up (beta coefficient 4.92, 95% CI 0.33 to 9.52; P = 0.04). There was statistically significant higher, self-reported milk consumption (MD 0.43, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.79; P = 0.02, low quality evidence), number of days on calcium supplementation (MD 11.42, 95% CI 7.11 to 15.73; P < 0.00001, low quality evidence), and use of any calcium supplementation (risk ratio (RR) 3.35, 95% CI 1.86 to 6.04; P < 0.0001, low quality evidence), with those who received this single, face-to-face, group-based, health behaviour session.There was no clear evidence of a difference in bone density Z-scores measured with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan at 36 months follow-up (MD -0.05, 95% CI -0.26 to 0.16; P = 0.64, moderate quality evidence) between those who received calcium and vitamin D supplementation combined with nutrition education and those who received nutrition education alone. There was also no clear evidence of a difference in bone mineral density between the intervention and the control group at the 12-month (median difference -0.17, P = 0.99) and 24-month follow-up (median difference -0.04, P = 0.54).A single multi-component health behaviour change intervention, focusing on general healthy eating principles, with two telephone follow-ups brought about a 0.17 lower score on the four-point Likert scale of self-reported junk food intake compared with the control group (MD -0.17, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.01; P = 0.04, low quality evidence); this result was statistically significant. There was no clear evidence of a difference between the groups in the self-reported use of nutrition as a health protective behaviour (MD -0.05, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.14; P = 0.60, low quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Due to a paucity of studies, and the heterogeneity of the studies included in this review, we are unable to draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of nutritional interventions for use with childhood cancer survivors. Although there is low quality evidence for the improvement in health behaviours using health behaviour change interventions, there remains no evidence as to whether this translates into an improvement in dietary intake. There was also no evidence that the studies reduced the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in childhood cancer survivors, although no evidence of effect is not the same as evidence of no effect. This review highlights the need for further well designed trials to be implemented in this population.