Disruptions in the organization of meal preparation and consumption among older cancer patients and their family caregivers.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the social organization of caring as gendered work as it relates to meal preparation and consumption activities surrounding older adult cancer patients and their caregivers.


METHODS
Qualitative methods consisting of in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 30 older cancer patients (17 women and 13 men aged 68-90) and their caregivers were conducted separately. Participants were diagnosed with pancreatic, colon, breast, lymphoma, skin, and head and neck cancer.


RESULTS
Major findings were that both patients and caregivers experienced distress surrounding food preparation and mealtime activities, and these varied according to the gender of both patients and caregivers and the relationship that existed between patients and caregivers. Of particular note, female patients experienced distress over not being able to fully participate in meal planning and cooking activities that were central to their self-identity. Related to this, male spouses experienced frustration over not being able to engage in cooking activities that met their wives' expectations. Female caregivers expressed tremendous discontent that the one they were caring for did not eat like they 'should'.


CONCLUSIONS
Matters related to the organization of meals and food consumption activities may be a source of significant distress for patients and caregivers. Further research and greater attention from health care providers are warranted to evaluate the extent of such distress.
Locher
Julie L
JL
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, Birmingham, AL 35294-2041, USA. Jlocher@uab.edu
Robinson
Caroline O
CO
Bailey
F Amos
FA
Carroll
William R
WR
Heimburger
Douglas C
DC
Saif
M Wasif
MW
Tajeu
Gabriel
G
Ritchie
Christine S
CS
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003296:Cooking; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005502:Food; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires