Sleep and health improvement programme (SHIP) for patients with prostate cancer and caregivers

The objective of this study is to determine whether a sleep and health improvement programme (SHIP) to promote healthy sleep, eating and physical activity would be feasible, acceptable and have a positive impact on lifestyle behaviours for prostate cancer survivors and caregivers.

We recruited 50 participants for a single group 3-month pre-post pilot study. The SHIP intervention included (1) website about sleep, nutrition and physical activity (≥1 view/week), (2) two email newsletters with goal-setting exercises and resources and (3) midpoint health coach call. The primary outcome was changes in validated sleep scales; secondary outcomes included changes in diet, physical activity and concentration from baseline to 3 months.

Of 50 participants enrolled, median age was 65, 30% were Black and 8% were Hispanic. Thirty-four patients and 7 family caregivers completed the pilot study (82%). Following the intervention, we observed a statistically significant improvement in the Sleep Hygiene Index (pre: 15, post: 13, p < 0.01), and a trend toward lower Insomnia Severity Index (pre: 12, post: 9, p = 0.07). There were no statistically significant improvements in sleep quality or physical activity, but there were improvements in healthy eating (e.g., increase in cruciferous vegetables and reduction in dairy) and in fatigue-related problems and concentration. Exit interview feedback was positive.

A web-based sleep and healthy lifestyle programme for patients with prostate cancer and their caregivers is feasible and acceptable. A randomized controlled trial is planned to test whether a refined SHIP improves sleep and lifestyle in patients with prostate cancer and caregivers.