A Scoping Review of Group Nutrition Education and Cooking Programs for People Affected by Cancer

Elizabeth A Johnston; Susannah K Ayre; Yin To Au-Yeung; Belinda C Goodwin

doi:10.1016/j.jand.2024.02.011

A Scoping Review of Group Nutrition Education and Cooking Programs for People Affected by Cancer

J Acad Nutr Diet. 2024 Feb 21:S2212-2672(24)00090-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.02.011. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Elizabeth A Johnston¹, Susannah K Ayre², Yin To Au-Yeung³, Belinda C Goodwin⁴

Affiliations

¹ Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia; School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia; Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: e23.johnston@qut.edu.au.
² Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia; School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.
³ Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia.
⁴ Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia; Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Queensland, Australia; School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

PMID: 38395356
DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2024.02.011

Abstract

Background: Group nutrition education and cooking programs for people affected by cancer have the potential to address commonly reported unmet needs for dietary information, as well as provide opportunities for practical and social support.

Objective: To report the nutrition-related content, delivery methods, and outcomes measured in group nutrition education and cooking programs for people affected by cancer in the published literature, and describe how these programs were developed, implemented, and evaluated.

Methods: A scoping review of academic literature is reported using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews guidelines. Key terms such as cancer, nutrition education, and cooking were searched across 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science) on June 1, 2023, for records published over the past 10 years. Records were independently screened by 2 reviewers. Data extracted included program participants, components, nutrition-related content, delivery methods, outcomes measured, and information about how the program was developed, implemented, and evaluated.

Results: Of 2,254 records identified, 41 articles met eligibility criteria, reporting on 37 programs. Most programs were designed for adult cancer survivors (89%) and conducted after primary treatment (81%). Four programs invited caregivers to attend. Almost all programs (97%) included a nutrition education component, and more than half (59%) included cooking activities, with a predominant focus on recommendations and practical skills for healthy eating. Most programs were delivered byregistered dietitians and/or nutritionists (54%) and included group discussions (57%) and active involvement in cooking activities (57%) in program delivery. The participant outcomes that were measured covered dietary, psychosocial, clinical, and anthropometric domains. Many programs were developed with cancer survivors, dietitians or nutritionists, and researchers. No studies reported on sustainability of program implementation or overall costs. Programs were evaluated using data from surveys, focus groups, interviews, and field notes, with articles typically reporting on participation rates, reasons for nonparticipation, program acceptability, aspects of the nutrition-related programs valued by participants, and suggestions for improvement.

Conclusions: Future research should prioritize assessing the effectiveness of these programs for participants. Future development, implementation, and evaluation of these programs should include family members and friends and assess the sustainability of program delivery, including cost-effectiveness.

Keywords: Culinary; Diet; Nutrition; Oncology; Supportive care.