Aims: Cancer treatment affects a child’s food preferences and eating habits leading to poor dietary intake and higher rates of fussy eating than their peers after treatment. Poor dietary habits in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) can increase their risk of increased morbidity and early mortality due to obesity and metabolic syndrome as adults. We aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a hybrid online & telehealth parent-led program (Reboot) to improve the dietary intake of CCS early after treatment completion.
Method: This study was a mixed methods wait-list randomised controlled trial. Participants (n=73) were parents of CCS aged 2-16 years old. Participants completed the Reboot intervention: three online learning modules and 3 telehealth support calls, addressing strategies to manage fussy eating and improve fruit and vegetable intake. Using a pre-post survey, participants dietary intake, self-efficacy and program acceptability were assessed. End of program interviews were conducted to assess in-depth parental views of their experiences with Reboot.
Results: There was an increase in children’s fruit serves (2 to 2.9), and vegetable serves (1.6 to 2.1) from baseline to post program with higher intakes of both fruit (2.9 vs 2) and vegetable (2.1 vs 1.6) serves compared to control group, post program. There was a 56% increase in parents post-program reporting confidence in managing their child’s eating habits compared with no change in the control group. Parents reported positive behaviour change following the program, including increased variety in children’s diet including fruits and vegetables, increased confidence to introduce and try new foods, and cooking together as a family. There was high acceptability with the program with 96% of parents rating the quality of information as high.
Conclusion: Reboot was positively received by parents of CCS and led to promising improvements in children’s dietary intake and parent confidence in managing their child’s eating habits post treatment.