P363 - THE INFLUENCE OF DIET AND EXERCISE BEHAVIORS ON DAILY TASK MANAGEMENT AMONG PATIENTS WITH PROSTATE CANCER: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

P363

THE INFLUENCE OF DIET AND EXERCISE BEHAVIORS ON DAILY TASK MANAGEMENT AMONG PATIENTS WITH PROSTATE CANCER: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

R. Laraichi^1,2,*, S. Smiti^1,2, C. Ezzouitina^1,2, K. Nouni^1,2, A. Lachgar^1,2, H. El kacemi^1,2, T. kebdani^1,2, K. Hassouni^1,2

¹radiotherapy, national institute of oncology, ²Faculty of medecine, Mohammed V university, Rabat, Morocco

Rationale: Adopting healthy dietary and exercise habits may enhance the quality of life for prostate cancer survivors. Furthermore, it could lower the risk of cancer recurrence, improve tolerance to treatment and survival outcomes of prostate cancer patients. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary and exercise interventions among Moroccan prostate cancer survivors, and their influence in maintaining a normal physical activity.

Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was employed to explore the perspectives of patients with prostate cancer treated in the radiotherapy department, regarding their dietary and exercise habits and its influence on the capacity to perform daily tasks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients, during the follow-up consultation, to assess their physical functioning, exercise frequency, and risks of malnutrition.

Results: Fifty six prostate cancer survivors (mean age 63 ± 2 years) were included in the study. 66% of patients maintained sufficient physical activity levels. Among the more physically active patients, resistance training demonstrated improvements in cancer-related fatigue levels. Most patients (n= 53) adhered to a balanced Mediterranean diet, characterized by reduced consumption of meat and processed sugars.Thirteen patients were identified as at risk of malnutrition. 25% of patients viewed their diet and lifestyle as healthy and expressed uncertainty about the potential health benefits of these factors in preventing prostate cancer recurrence. The study identified some barriers to diet and exercise behaviours like age-related physical decline and pre-existing habits.

Conclusion: Participants acknowledged the role of a healthy diet and physical activity in maintaining their ability to perform daily tasks. Access to knowledge and personalized guidance emerged as facilitators of healthy dietary and exercise habits.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared