Improving couples' quality of life through a Web-based prostate cancer education intervention

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a newly developed web-based, couple-oriented intervention called Prostate Cancer Education and Resources for Couples (PERC). DESIGN: Quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods approach. SETTING: Oncology outpatient clinics at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at UNC­Chapel Hill. SAMPLE: 26 patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa) and their partners. METHODS: Pre- and postpilot quantitative assessments and a postpilot qualitative interview were conducted. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: General and PCa-specific symptoms, quality of life, psychosocial factors, PERC's ease of use, and web activities. FINDINGS: Improvement was shown in some PCa-specific and general symptoms (small effect sizes for patients and small-to-medium effect sizes for partners), overall quality of life, and physical and social domains of quality of life for patients (small effect sizes). Web activity data indicated high PERC use. Qualitative and quantitative analyses indicated that participants found PERC easy to use and understand,as well as engaging, of high quality, and relevant. Overall, participants were satisfied with PERC and reported that PERC improved their knowledge about symptom management and communication as a couple. CONCLUSIONS: PERC was a feasible, acceptable method of reducing the side effects of PCa treatment­related symptoms and improving quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: PERC has the potential to reduce the negative impacts of symptoms and enhance quality of life for patients with localized PCa and their partners, particularly for those who live in rural areas and have limited access to post-treatment supportive care.

Vitamin D and autoimmune disease--implications for practice from the multiple sclerosis literature.

Recent studies and commentaries link vitamin D with several autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Adequate vitamin D intake reduces inflammatory cytokines through control of gene expression, thus inadequate vitamin D intake is suggested as a mechanism that could contribute to inflammation and, consequently, development of MS. Poor vitamin D status has been associated with increased risk for development of MS, and patients with MS may suffer consequences of vitamin D deficiency, such as bone loss. Animal studies and very limited human data suggest possible benefit from vitamin D supplementation in patients with MS. Based on the current state of research, a key principle for practicing dietetics professionals is to include vitamin D status in nutritional assessment. For those at risk for poor vitamin D status, intake can be enhanced by food-based advice and, when indicated, vitamin D supplementation.