Objectives: To examine family social support and closeness to the patient for their association with diet in first-degree relatives (FDRs) of colon cancer patients. Methods: Participants (N=98) were interviewed by telephone to assess study constructs. Multiple hierarchical regressions examined relationships among family factors and diet. Results: Family social support was associated with healthier diets, particularly fruits and vegetables. However, FDRs closest to the cancer patient had less healthy diets. Conclusions: FDRs with close relationships to their family member with cancer may be in greatest need of dietary intervention. Diet is understudied in this high-risk population and warrants more investigation.
Family factors as correlates of diet in relatives of colon cancer patients. Publishing Authors By Initials
