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Dietary Quality and Intake of Cancer Caregivers: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies and Recommendations for Future Research
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Dietary Quality and Intake of Cancer Caregivers: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies and Recommendations for Future Research

Susannah K. Ayre, Katelyn E. Collins, Xanthia E. Bourdaniotis, Grace L. Rose, Gosia Boardman, Constantina Depaune, Belinda C. Goodwin and Elizabeth A. Johnston
Cancer Medicine, Vol.14(3), pp.1-23
2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.70668
PMID: 39927738
Appears in  Cancer Research Cluster Research Collection
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Published VersionCC BY V4.0,  Open Access

Abstract

behavioral science cancer prevention cancer risk factors epidemiology and prevention nutrition
Aims As more people live with and beyond a cancer diagnosis, the role of informal caregivers becomes increasingly vital. Despite emotional, physical, and financial challenges, the impact of caregiving on health behaviors, including diet, has been largely overlooked. This systematic review synthesized quantitative evidence on dietary quality and intake among cancer caregivers. Methods Five databases (CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science) were searched in February 2024 using keywords including cancer, caregiver, and diet. Articles published since 2013 that quantitatively assessed the dietary quality or intake of cancer caregivers were eligible. Articles were independently screened in Rayaan by two authors, with discrepancies resolved by a third author. Data on study design, aims, methods, sample characteristics, and results were extracted and summarized using descriptive analyses. One author performed data extraction, with a second author reviewing results for accuracy. Results Of 12,584 records identified, 22 met eligibility criteria. Most studies were conducted in the United States (68%), were cross-sectional (77%), and included caregivers who were partners (68%) of people with cancer. Four (18%) studies reported on energy or nutrient intakes, 13 (59%) reported on food or food group intakes, and 10 (45%) reported on diet quality or dietary patterns. Results varied widely due to differences in assessment methods used. Dietary changes due to caregiving were described in 8 (36%) studies, mostly using retrospective self-reported data. Negative, positive, and no dietary changes were reported in 7 (32%), 5 (23%), and 4 (18%) studies, respectively. Two (9%) studies did not specify the direction of change. Eight (36%) studies assessed adherence to dietary recommendations, with mixed results. Conclusions Evidence of the dietary quality and intake of cancer caregivers is inconclusive. Larger, longitudinal studies using validated measures, repeated observations, and comparison to dietary guidelines are needed to better understand the impacts of caregiving on diet.

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Oncology

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