The association of social support and income on the nutritional status and physical activity of older female cancer survivors

Purpose. To determine whether theory-based physical activity (PA) interventions for overweight and obese female cancer survivors lead to increased PA and improved health. Methods. This systematic review examined randomized controlled trials analyzing the impact of theory-based PA interventions on overweight and obese female cancer survivors through December 2016. Searches of 5 electronic databases revealed 10 articles that included 1351 participants who met the inclusion criteria. Results. Participants were primarily non-Hispanic white (74%-100%) breast or endometrial cancer survivors. Intervention characteristics and PA assessment tools varied greatly. Adherence (68%-99%) and retention (79%-100%) were relatively high. Social cognitive theory was utilized as the theoretical construct in 9 of the 10 studies. Home-based interventions led to small improvements in PA (Cohen’s d range = 0.25-0.31), whereas home-based plus center-based interventions led to moderate to large improvements (Cohen’s d range = 0.45-1.02). Only three of the studies assessed psychosocial behavioral processes associated with PA, and the results were mixed. Health-related outcomes included improvements in aerobic fitness (Cohen’s d = 0.32-1.1 in 5 studies), large absolute decreases in waist circumferences (>6 cm in 3 of 5 studies; Cohen’s d = −0.31 to −1.02), and no change in inflammatory biomarkers (in 2 studies). Only one serious adverse event (pelvic stress fracture) was attributed to the interventions. Conclusions. Theory-based PA interventions are safe and feasible for overweight and obese female cancer survivors. Interventions that include a center-based component showed moderate to large effect sizes for PA. Future studies should evaluate behavioral variables and more health-related clinical outcomes.

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The role of social support in physical activity for cancer survivors: A systematic review

Psycho-Oncology ◽

10.1002/pon.5171 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (10) ◽

pp. 1945-1958 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Meghan H. McDonough ◽

L. Jayne Beselt ◽

Julia T. Daun ◽

Jena Shank ◽

S. Nicole Culos‐Reed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Support ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Cancer Survivors

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Breast cancer survivors’ preferences for social support features in technology-supported physical activity interventions: findings from a mixed methods evaluation

Translational Behavioral Medicine ◽

10.1093/tbm/iby112 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 423-434 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gillian R Lloyd ◽

Sara A Hoffman ◽

Whitney A Welch ◽

Danielle Blanch-Hartigan ◽

Kara L Gavin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Social Support ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Message Board ◽

Activity Data ◽

Physical Activity Interventions ◽

Social Features

Abstract Incorporating peer and professional social support features into remotely delivered, technology-supported physical activity interventions may increase their effectiveness. However, very little is known about survivors’ preferences for potential social features. This study explored breast cancer survivors’ preferences for both traditional (e.g., coaching calls and peer support) and innovative (i.e., message boards and competitions) social support features within remotely delivered, technology-supported physical activity interventions. Survivors [N = 96; Mage = 55.8 (SD = 10.2)] self-reported demographic and disease characteristics and physical activity. A subset (n = 28) completed semistructured phone interviews. Transcribed interviews were evaluated using a thematic content analysis approach and consensus review. Following interviews, the full sample self-reported preferences for social features for remotely delivered physical activity interventions via online questionnaires. Questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Four themes emerged from interview data: (a) technology increases social connectedness; (b) interest in professional involvement/support; (c) connecting with similar survivors; and (d) apprehension regarding competitive social features. Quantitative data indicated that most survivors were interested in social features including a coach (77.1 per cent), team (66.7 per cent), and exercise buddy (57.3 per cent). Survivors endorsed sharing their activity data with their team (80.0 per cent) and buddy (76.6 per cent), but opinions were mixed regarding a progress board ranking their activity in relation to other participants’ progress. Survivors were interested in using a message board to share strategies to increase activity (74.5 per cent) and motivational comments (73.4 per cent). Social features are of overall interest to breast cancer survivors, yet preferences for specific social support features varied. Engaging survivors in developing and implementing remotely delivered, technology-supported social features may enhance their effectiveness.

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Body image, physical activity and psychological health in older female cancer survivors

Journal of Geriatric Oncology ◽

10.1016/j.jgo.2021.04.007 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaochen Zhang ◽

Michael L. Pennell ◽

Brittany M. Bernardo ◽

Justin Clark ◽

Jessica L. Krok-Schoen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Image ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Female Cancer Survivors

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CORRELATES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN ADOLESCENTS OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN CURITIBA, PARANÁ, BRAZIL

Revista Paulista de Pediatria ◽

10.1590/1984-0462/2020/38/2018329 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 38 ◽

Author(s):

Eliane Denise Araújo Bacil ◽

Thiago Silva Piola ◽

Michael Pereira da Silva ◽

Rodrigo Bozza ◽

Edmar Fantineli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Support ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Body Mass ◽

Physical Activity Level ◽

Parental Support ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Activity Level ◽

Biological Maturation ◽

High Social Support

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the association of nutritional status, biological maturation, social support and self-efficacy with the physical activity level of 2,347 students of both sexes, aged between 11 and 15 years old, enrolled in state schools in the city of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Methods: Anthropometric measurements of body mass, height and sitting height were collected. The assessment of biological maturation was based on the analysis of the age at peak height and sexual maturity. The physical activity level, social support from parents and friends and self-efficacy were evaluated by self-reported questionnaires. Sex/age-specific body mass index (BMI) cutoff points identified the nutritional status. Gross and adjusted binary logistic regression were used to obtain odds (OR) ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), adopting p≤0.05 as significant. Results: More than half (52.3%; n=1,227) of students were active, with boys in a higher proportion (64.1%; p≤0.01). The correlates of physical activity were: nutritional status (OR 1.25; 95%CI 1.01-1.56), early somatic maturation (OR 0.71; 95%CI 0.54-0.93), moderate (OR 1.85; 95%CI 1.50-2.30) and high social support from parents (OR 2.70; 95%CI 2.11-3.42) and high social support from friends (OR 1.78; 95%CI 1.42-2.24). Conclusions: Nutritional status, early somatic maturation, social support of parents and friends were correlates of physical activity. Overweight girls with moderate and high parental support and boys with greater social support from parents and friends were more active. Girls with early somatic maturation were less active.

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Predictors of Physical Activity Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors: Findings From the WHI LILAC Study

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1156 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 299-299

Author(s):

Michael Pennell ◽

Michelle Naughton ◽

Xiaochen Zhang ◽

Aladdin Shadyab ◽

Candyce Kroenke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Social Support ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Symptom Burden ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Comorbidity Status ◽

Multiple Health

Abstract We examined the factors associated with physical activity following cancer treatment among older breast cancer survivors from the WHI LILAC study. The majority of participants (n=3,710, mean age=78.8±5.9) were white (86%), and had in situ/localized breast cancer (79%). Women who received radiation therapy, were underweight/normal weight, had fewer reported cancer-related symptoms, no lymphedema, higher self-rated health, higher physical functioning, no pain, no depressive symptoms, and higher social support had significantly greater participation and duration of physical activity (all p<0.05). Women aged <75 who received radiation had longer duration of total minutes of physical activity (β=19.7, p<0.05), while women aged 75-85 who received radiation had shorter duration of total minutes of physical activity (β=-3.2, p<0.05). These results indicate that multiple health and social factors are associated with physical activity in this cohort. Interventions to facilitate physical activity among this group should consider body weight, symptom burden, comorbidity status, and social support.

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Physical Activity, Mental Health and Technology Preferences for Support during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Report of Cancer Survivors (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.25317 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jamie M Faro ◽

Kristin M Mattocks ◽

Catherine S Nagawa ◽

Stephenie C Lemon ◽

Bo Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Social Support ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Text Messaging ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Digital Health ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Phone Calls ◽

Physical Activity Programs

BACKGROUND COVID-19 has had significant health and behavioral impacts on populations worldwide. Cancer survivors are at particular risk of changes in behavioral patterns, as they were encouraged to be more vigilant and observe stricter social distancing guidelines. OBJECTIVE We explored 1) changes in physical activity/sedentary behaviors since COVID-19, and mental health status, 2) alternative strategies to support the survivors’ physical activity and social support during and after COVID-19 including the role of digital health. METHODS A survey was distributed to cancer survivors participating (currently or in the past) in a community-based physical activity program, LIVESTRONG at the Y. Questions addressed pre-COVID vs. current changes in physical activity and sedentary time. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the GAD-2 and PHQ-2 with scores ≥3 classified as clinically diagnosed anxiety/depression. Digital health preferences were assessed using closed ended questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Open-ended responses addressing other preferences for physical activity programs and social support were analyzed, coded and categorized into themes. RESULTS Of the 61 participants, (mean age=62 ± 10.4; female=83.6%), 67.2% reported performing less physical activity and 67.2% reported sitting more since COVID-19 began. For the GAD-2 and PHQ-2, 24.6% and 26.2% met the criteria for clinical anxiety and depression, respectively. All participants (100%) reported having a cellphone; 90% had a smartphone. Preferences reported for physical activity programming (n=28) included three themes: 1) Use of digital/remote platforms (Zoom, online, videos), 2) Specific activities and locations (e.g. outdoors, walking, gardening, biking, YMCA, senior centers) and 3) Social support is important regardless of the type of activity (e.g. family, friends, peers and coaches). Participants reported a mean score of 71.8 ± 21.4 (scale 0-100) for importance of social support during physical activity programs. Social support preferences (n=15) included three themes: 1) Support from remote platforms (e.g. text messaging, Zoom, phone calls, emails and Facebook), 2) Tangible support in person (YMCA, Senior Center), and 3) Social support with no specific platform (e.g. small groups and family/friend visits). CONCLUSIONS Since the start of COVID-19, cancer survivors in our study have experienced decreased physical activity and increased sedentary time. Depression and anxiety were reported by one-quarter of respondents. Both physical activity and mental health are critical factors in survivor’s quality of life, and interventions tailored to survivors’ preferences for activity are necessary. Digital remote physical activity programs with added social support may be a promising way to address ongoing needs during and after the pandemic.

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