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Cancer caregivers’ perceptions of an exercise and nutrition program

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Abstract

Purpose

Little research has addressed exercise and nutrition-based interventions for cancer caregivers. This study explored cancer caregivers’ perceptions of participating in a structured exercise and nutrition program alongside cancer survivors for whom they provided care.

Methods

In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted by one interviewer with 12 cancer caregivers about their experiences participating in a structured, 12-week exercise and nutrition program designed for cancer survivors and caregivers to complete concurrently. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached.

Results

Inductive content analysis from individual interviews indicated three separate, but interrelated, themes: (1) the program was a positive mechanism through which caregivers shared and supported the cancer journey concurrently with survivors, (2) the program led to perceived physical and psychological benefits for both caregivers and survivors, and (3) participants perceived that participation in the program led to feeling increased social support in their caregiving duties.

Conclusions

Findings from this study suggest that participating in an exercise- and nutrition-based intervention is viewed positively by caregivers and that the outcomes are seen as beneficial to both caregivers and survivors. Interventions that address the health needs of both members of the caregiver–survivor dyad should continue to be encouraged by allied health professionals.

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Conflict of interest

This research had no internal or external funding supporting it, so there is no conflict of interest to report. The authors had full control of all primary data, and Supportive Care in Cancer has permission to review the data at any time if they wish to do so.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 1075 South Normal Avenue, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA

    Philip M. Anton, Julie A. Partridge & Margaret J. Morrissy

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  1. Philip M. Anton
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  2. Julie A. Partridge
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  3. Margaret J. Morrissy
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Correspondence to Philip M. Anton.

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Anton, P.M., Partridge, J.A. & Morrissy, M.J. Cancer caregivers’ perceptions of an exercise and nutrition program. Support Care Cancer 21, 803–810 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1583-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1583-8

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