The communal process through which prostate cancer survivors and their partners affect each other's diets: A qualitative descriptive study

Introduction: This qualitative descriptive study explored the communal processes (i.e., dyadic communication and collaborative action) through which prostate cancer (PCa) survivors and their partners shaped each other's diets. Methods: Dyads of PCa survivors and their partners (n=18 dyads, 36 individuals) were recruited through clinics and Research For Me, an online registry of active clinical studies. A 50-minute dyadic interview and two optional 5-minute individual interviews were conducted with each dyad. Interview guides were developed using the Communal Coping Model. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and de-identified. Thematic analysis was applied to each transcript by two investigators independently. Results: Most enrolled couples were married (n=17) and heterosexual (n=17). Fifteen survivors were diagnosed with PCa within 5 years, and thirteen received at least one type of treatment. Eight themes emerged; six fell within the communication and action constructs of the Communal Coping Model. Themes for communication included: (1) established communication patterns and (2) couple dialogues about PCa and diet beliefs. Couples who have established effective communication patterns are better equipped to engage in dialogues about diet and health, which facilitates healthy dietary changes. Themes for action included: (1) information seeking, (2) partner support, (3) cooking and shopping, and (4) strategies for sustaining changes. Couples collaborated on these actions, delegated them to one partner, or acted individually. Couples who did not engage in collaborative actions reported greater conflict over dietary choices and a heavier burden of managing healthy diets. Two additional themes emerged: (1) PCa-induced dietary changes and (2) variations in dietary change timing. Conclusions: Through effective communication, couples can align their awareness of healthy diets and PCa, which facilitates joint dietary changes. Collaborative actions (e.g., shared cooking and shopping), rather than individual efforts, ease the burden of dietary changes. Overall, this study highlights the need for interventions that foster communication and collaborative action to help couples adopt and maintain healthy diets throughout the PCa trajectory.