Pilot Feasibility Study of a Dyadic Culinary Nutrition Intervention

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Hispanic/Latino men. Following treatment, both survivors and their family caregivers often experience long-term side effects that can be managed through diet. However, few survivors or caregivers meet current nutritional guidelines, and most interventions focus solely on the patient. Because co-residing couples share meals and routines, targeting the survivor-caregiver dyad together may be more effective for dietary modification. This pilot study evaluates "Cooking Healthy - Engaging Families" (CHEF), a remote, dyadic culinary nutrition program designed to improve dietary intake for Hispanic prostate cancer survivors and caregivers.

This pilot study utilizes a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to determine the feasibility and acceptability of the CHEF intervention.The study aims to recruit 20 dyads (n=40 total participants) meeting the following criteria:

Survivors: Hispanic men post-treatment for prostate cancer (≥ 6 weeks from completion of primary curative treatment).

Caregivers: Informal, co-residing caregivers of the enrolled survivors.

Participants will be randomized to evaluate the program's delivery, engagement, and acceptability in a remote format. Additionally, the study will explore secondary outcomes, including changes in dietary intake and serum carotenoid levels.

Inclusion criteria

Survivors

• History of prostate cancer diagnosis at any stage (I-IV)
• Identifies as Hispanic
• Completed primary curative treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) 6 weeks prior to enrollment.

Note: Men on continuing hormone therapy (ADT) or immunotherapy as maintenance or consolidation treatment are eligible. Men on active surveillance only (no treatment) are not eligible.

Inclusion Criterion: Caregivers

• Provides unpaid support for the cancer survivor
• No prior history of cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer) Note: Caregivers do not need to identify as Hispanic to be eligible

Inclusion criteria

Survivors and Caregivers

• Aged 18-90 years
• Reports low fruit and vegetable intake
• Able to write, read, and speak in English or Spanish
• Access to a mobile device with Internet and a camera
• Co-residing and able to participate at the same time and location

Exclusion criteria

Survivors and Caregivers

• Cognitive difficulties that preclude answering the survey questions, that answering survey questions or participating in study activities, or providing informed consent.
• A medical condition, movement or neurological disorder, or medication use that contraindicates participation in meal preparation.
• Not co-residing (live in the separate households).
• No survivor or caregiver available or willing to participate simultaneously.
• Less than 18 years or greater than 90 years of age.