title: Functional foods: delivering information to the oncology nurse.
abstract: Recent research suggests a beneficial role of nutrition as possible supportive therapy for cancer patients. A national survey of oncology nurses has shown that nutrition-related issues are an important subject discussed during nurse-patient meetings. The authors applied the activation theory of information exposure to oncology nurses in regard to nutrition information. Findings suggest that oncology nurses who consider nutrition important at a personal level tend to discuss nutrition more with patients and to seek more information about nutrition and cancer. Personal rather than professional motives appear to be triggers for the information search. Implications for health care communication professionals are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Missouri School of Journalism, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
authors.forename: Glen T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Cameron
authors.forename: Mugur V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Geana
mesh_terms: D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education*