Nutrition literacy in head and neck cancer survivors and their caregivers
Nutrition Literacy and Associated Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Survivor-caregiver Dyads
We will see if nutrition knowledge in head and neck cancer survivors and their informal caregivers relates to body composition, nutrition biomarkers, physical function, and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Trial ID | NCT07021885 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This cross-sectional observational project enrolls post-treatment head and neck cancer survivors (6 months–4 years after primary treatment) paired with an informal caregiver who helps with food shopping or preparation. Participants complete questionnaires measuring nutrition literacy and sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics, and undergo measurements including skin carotenoid levels, body composition, and functional status alongside quality-of-life surveys. Data from survivor-caregiver dyads will be analyzed to explore how individual and shared nutrition knowledge correlates with objective nutrition markers and patient-reported outcomes. Results aim to identify patterns that could guide tailored nutrition education or supportive services for survivors and their caregivers.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (age 18+) who are 6 months to 4 years post-primary treatment for oral cavity, pharyngeal, or laryngeal cancer, have no evidence of disease, can eat orally (no primary feeding tube), speak English, and have an informal caregiver involved in food procurement or preparation are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with active or recent other cancers, severe mental illness or cognitive impairment, primary feeding-tube dependence, non–English speakers, minors, pregnant women, or prisoners are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help tailor nutrition education and support for survivors and caregivers to improve diet-related health, physical function, and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked nutrition literacy to dietary behaviors and outcomes in cancer populations, but dyadic studies focused on head and neck cancer survivors and caregivers are limited, making this approach relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Survivors and their caregivers will be eligible to participate if the survivor 1) has a history of oral cavity, pharyngeal, or laryngeal cancer, 2) is between 6 months - 4 years post-primary oncology treatment, 3) has no evidence of disease, 4) has an informal caregiver living in or out of the home who has a shared or primary role in food procurement and/or preparation, 5) no current use of feeding tube as the primary source of nutrition and can consume food orally, 6) age 18+, 7) English-speaking. Survivors and their caregivers will not be eligible to participate if either has 1) dementia or organic brain syndrome; 2) severe emotional distress; 3) active schizophrenia, 4) another diagnosis of cancer in the past five years (not including skin or cervical cancer in situ). Exclusion Criteria: * Adults unable to consent * Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers) * Pregnant women * Prisoners
Where this trial is running
Kansas City, Kansas
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, Kansas, United States (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.