Lifestyle modifications after the diagnosis of gynecological cancer

Abstract Background The influence of lifestyle factors on the quality of life, incidence and tumor recurrence has been evaluated in several studies and is gaining increasing importance in cancer research. However, the extent of the influence of such lifestyle factors on the quality of life of cancer patients remains largely unclear, as does the number of patients actually pursuing these lifestyle changes. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of lifestyle changes in patients with gynecological cancer. Methods The survey consisted of a pseudonymous questionnaire that was conducted from January to May 2014 via a telephone interview with 141 patients with a gynaecological malignancy who had undergone surgery at our Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. Lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, stress level, alcohol and nicotine consumption) prior to and after the diagnosis of cancer were evaluated. Results 89% (n = 125) of the patients reported lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with cancer. There was a significant association between the implementation of lifestyle changes and age as well as the use of complementary medicine. Nutrition: 66% of the patients (n = 93) consumed more fruit and vegetables and 65% ate less meat (n = 92). Physical activity: 37% (n = 52) reported no change in their exercise routine, 36% (n = 51) described a decrease, 27% (n = 38) an increase in their physical activity. Subjective feeling of stress: 77% of the patients (n = 108) described a reduction in their perceived level of stress. Nicotine consumption: 63% (n = 12) of the 19 patients who were smokers at the time of the diagnosis quit or reduced smoking thereafter. Alcohol consumption: 47% (n = 61/129) of the patients reduced their alcohol consumption. Conclusions Most of the patients from our study group implemented lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with cancer. Prospective randomized trials are needed in order to determine the benefit of lifestyle changes (physical activity, dietary habits and stress reduction) for cancer survivors. The potential impact of lifestyle on the quality of life and the trajectory of the disease should be discussed with all oncological patients.

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Associations of health-related quality of life with sociodemographic characteristics, health, pain, and lifestyle factors, and motivation for changing lifestyle in adults living with chronic pain: a cross-sectional exploratory study

Scandinavian Journal of Pain ◽

10.1515/sjpain-2021-0062 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Svetlana Solgaard Nielsen ◽

Søren T. Skou ◽

Anette Enemark Larsen ◽

Jens Søndergaard ◽

Jeanette Reffstrup Christensen

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Chronic Pain ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Poor Sleep ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

Study Population

Abstract Objectives We investigated the associations between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health, pain and lifestyle factors, as well as motivation for lifestyle changes, in adults living with chronic pain referred to a Danish pain centre. Methods A total of 144 outpatients completed a questionnaire on HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L), health, pain, lifestyle factors (Body Mass Index [BMI], physical activity, smoking, alcohol, physical fitness, eating, sleep and stress) and motivation for lifestyle changes. We used multiple linear regression analyses to assess associations between HRQoL and the independent variables. Results The participants (age mean 50 years, 81% females) had ≥2 body pain sites (93%), BMI≥25 (64%), sedentary lifestyle (43%) and multiple (n≥2) elevated metabolic risk factors (58%). Most considered lifestyle important for HRQoL (72%) and expressed moderate to very high motivation for changing lifestyle (92%). Poorer HRQoL in the study population was significantly associated with higher pain intensity in the most painful body site (β=−0.316, p=0.001) and very poor sleep quality (β=−0.410, p=0.024). Serious-to-extreme problems in usual activities were associated with significantly poorer health (β=−0.328, p=0.030). Conclusions Adults living with chronic pain participating in this survey had significantly lower self-evaluated HRQoL than the general population. Lower HRQoL was significantly associated with greater pain intensity and poor sleep quality. Serious-to-extreme problems in usual activities, such as work, study, housework, family and leisure, were associated with poorer self-evaluated health. We observed high frequencies of overweight, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, pain in multiple body sites and multiple lifestyle-related risk factors in the study population. Most participants felt motivated for changing lifestyle. Further interventions addressing pain alleviation, sleep quality, prevention of problems in usual activities and promotion of healthy lifestyle, e.g. physical activity and healthy eating, are needed to estimate the effect of a lifestyle-oriented approach on health and quality of life in people living with chronic pain. The results of this study will inform the research project reg. SJ-703, the Danish the Research Ethics Committee for Region Zealand, Denmark.

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Physical activity trajectories following gynecological cancer: results from a prospective, longitudinal cohort study

International Journal of Gynecological Cancer ◽

10.1136/ijgc-2020-001543 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (11) ◽

pp. 1784-1790

Author(s):

Steven Fleming ◽

Tamara Jones ◽

Monika Janda ◽

Dimitrios Vagenas ◽

Leigh Ward ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Endometrial Cancer ◽

Gynecological Cancer ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Low Levels ◽

The Relationship ◽

Over Time

BackgroundParticipating in physical activity after a diagnosis of cancer is associated with reduced morbidity and improved outcomes. However, declines in, and low levels of, physical activity are well documented in the broader cancer population, but with limited evidence following gynecological cancer.ObjectiveTo describe physical activity levels from before and up to 2 years after gynecological cancer surgery; to explore the relationship between physical activity patterns and quality of life; and to describe characteristics associated with physical activity trajectories post-gynecological cancer.MethodsWomen with gynecological cancer (n=408) participated in a prospective study that assessed physical activity and quality of life pre-surgery (baseline), at 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months post-surgery. Validated questionnaires were used to assess physical activity (Active Australia Survey) and quality of life outcomes (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General). Generalized estimating equation modeling, group-based trajectory analysis, and analysis of variance were used to identify physical activity levels over time, to categorize women into physical activity trajectory groups, and to assess the relationship between physical activity levels and quality of life, respectively.ResultsWomen had a mean±SD age of 60±11.4 years at diagnosis, with the majority diagnosed with endometrial cancer (n=235, 58%) or stage I disease (n=241, 59%). Most women (80%) started with and maintained low levels of physical activity (1–10 metabolic equivalent task hours per week), reported no physical activity throughout the follow-up period, or reduced physical activity levels over time. Only 19% of women maintained or doubled physical activity levels, so that by 24 months post-diagnosis they were engaging in sufficient levels of physical activity. Women with endometrial cancer (58% of the sample) were more likely to be overweight or obese and to report low levels of physical activity or none at all. Higher physical activity levels were associated with higher quality of life (p<0.05).ConclusionThe low baseline and surveillance levels of physical activity show that the vast majority of gynecological cancer survivors have the ability to improve their physical activity levels. Integration of physical activity advice and support into standard care could lead to gains in quality of life during gynecological cancer survivorship.

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Associations between lifestyle factors and multidimensional frailty: a cross-sectional study among community-dwelling older people

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-021-02704-x ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marcel A. L. M. van Assen ◽

Judith H. M. Helmink ◽

Robbert J. J. Gobbens

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Physical Frailty ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Community Dwelling Older People

Abstract Background Multidimensional frailty, including physical, psychological, and social components, is associated to disability, lower quality of life, increased healthcare utilization, and mortality. In order to prevent or delay frailty, more knowledge of its determinants is necessary; one of these determinants is lifestyle. The aim of this study is to determine the association between lifestyle factors smoking, alcohol use, nutrition, physical activity, and multidimensional frailty. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in two samples comprising in total 45,336 Dutch community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years or older. These samples completed a questionnaire including questions about smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, sociodemographic factors (both samples), and nutrition (one sample). Multidimensional frailty was assessed with the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI). Results Higher alcohol consumption, physical activity, healthy nutrition, and less smoking were associated with less total, physical, psychological and social frailty after controlling for effects of other lifestyle factors and sociodemographic characteristics of the participants (age, gender, marital status, education, income). Effects of physical activity on total and physical frailty were up to considerable, whereas the effects of other lifestyle factors on frailty were small. Conclusions The four lifestyle factors were not only associated with physical frailty but also with psychological and social frailty. The different associations of frailty domains with lifestyle factors emphasize the importance of assessing frailty broadly and thus to pay attention to the multidimensional nature of this concept. The findings offer healthcare professionals starting points for interventions with the purpose to prevent or delay the onset of frailty, so community-dwelling older people have the possibility to aging in place accompanied by a good quality of life.

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Health-related behavior and quality of life among the elderly: a population-based study

Revista de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/s0034-89102011000300006 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 45 (3) ◽

pp. 485-493 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Margareth Guimarães Lima ◽

Marilisa Berti de Azevedo Barros ◽

Chester Luiz Galvão César ◽

Moisés Goldbaum ◽

Luana Carandina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

The Elderly ◽

Population Based ◽

Southeastern Brazil ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Study Results ◽

Health Related

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between health-related behaviors and quality of life among the elderly. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out including 1,958 elderly living in four areas in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil, 2001/2002. Quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study SF-36-Item Short Form Health Survey instrument. This instrument's eight subscales and two components were the dependent variables. Independent variables were physical activity, weekly frequency of alcohol consumption and smoking. Multiple linear regression models were used to control for the effect of gender, age, schooling, work, area of residence and number of chronic conditions. RESULTS: Physical activity was positively associated with the eight SF-36 subscales. The stronger associations were found for role-physical (β=11.9), physical functioning (β=11.3) and physical component. Elderly individuals who consumed alcohol at least once a week showed a better quality of life than those did not consume alcohol. Compared to non-smokers, smokers had a poorer quality of life for the mental component (β=-2.4). CONCLUSIONS: The study results showed that physical activity, moderate alcohol consumption and no smoking are positively associated with a better quality of life in the elderly.

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Nivel de actividad física, consumo habitual de tabaco y alcohol, y su relación con la calidad de vida en adolescentes españoles (Physical activity level, tobacco and alcohol habitual consumption, and its relationship with quality of life in Spanish adol

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v0i39.78489 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 112-119 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Eliseo Garcia Canto ◽

Andres Rosa Guillamon ◽

Laura Nieto López

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Risk Behavior ◽

Tobacco Consumption ◽

Activity Level ◽

Calidad De Vida ◽

Sf 36 ◽

Youth Risk Behavior

El consumo habitual de tabaco y alcohol entre los adolescentes, así como el sedentarismo constituyen un problema de salud pública y una epidemia pediátrica. La calidad de vida es un indicador del estado general de salud autopercibido. El objetivo fue analizar la relación entre actividad física, consumo de tabaco, alcohol y calidad de vida mediante una metodología observacional, seleccionando de manera aleatoria 1037 adolescentes españoles de 14-17 años de edad (15.52 ± 1.11 años). Los instrumentos empleados fueron el International Physical Activity Questionaire (actividad física), el Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (tabaco), el Cuestionario sobre hábitos de consumo de alcohol en adolescentes (alcohol) y el Cuestionario de Salud SF-36 (calidad de vida). Se exploraron las relaciones bi-variantes mediante tablas de contingencia, seguido de un análisis de regresión logística binaria. Los resultados sugieren que la actividad física (p < .001) es la variable que mejor predice la calidad de vida percibida por los varones siendo también relevante el consumo de tabaco (p < .05). En las mujeres, tanto el consumo de tabaco (p < .001) como el consumo de alcohol (p < .001), se muestran como las variables que mejor predicen la calidad de vida percibida, siendo en menor medida relevante la asociación entre actividad física y calidad de vida (p < .05). La promoción de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud depende de la creación de ambientes educacionales integrales donde la actividad física forme parte de un estilo de vida saludable. Abstract. Habitual tobacco and alcohol use among adolescents, as well as sedentary lifestyle, are a public health problem and a pediatric epidemic. Quality of life is an indicator of overall self-perceived health status. The objective was to analyze the relationship between physical activity, tobacco consumption, alcohol and quality of life using an observational methodology, randomly selecting 1037 Spanish adolescents aged 14-17 years old (15.52 ± 1.11 years old). Instruments used were the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (physical activity), the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (tobacco), the Questionnaire on alcohol consumption habits in adolescents (alcohol), and the Health Questionnaire SF-36 (quality of life). Bi-variant relationships were explored using contingency tables, followed by binary logistic regression analysis. Results suggest that physical activity (p <.001) is the variable that best predicts quality of life perceived by boys, tobacco use being also relevant (p <.05). In girls, both tobacco consumption (p <.001) and alcohol consumption (p <.001) are shown as the variables that best predict their perceived quality of life, but the association between physical activity and quality of life is less relevant (p <.05). The promotion of health-related quality of life depends on the creation of comprehensive educational environments where physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Physical activity in established rheumatoid arthritis and variables associated with maintenance of physical activity over a seven-year period – a longitudinal observational study

BMC Rheumatology ◽

10.1186/s41927-020-00151-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ann Bremander ◽

◽

Karina Malm ◽

Maria L. Andersson

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Function ◽

Activity Level ◽

Tender Joint Count ◽

Established Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Unhealthy Lifestyle ◽

Number Of Patients

Abstract Background A large number of patients with RA do not adhere to the recommended levels of physical activity to enhance health. According to EULAR recommendations, physical activity should be part of standard care in people with rheumatic diseases. There have been few larger studies on maintenance of physical activity over longer periods of time. The aim was to study self-reported physical activity levels over 7 years in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, to determine variables associated with maintenance or change of physical activity behavior. Methods Questionnaires were sent to the BARFOT cohort in 2010 (n = 1525) and in 2017 (n = 1046), and 950 patients responded to both questionnaires. Patients were dichotomized according to meeting MVPA recommendations (physically active at a moderate level ≥ 150 min/week or at an intense level ≥ 75 min/week) or not. Body mass index, smoking habits, tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), Patient Global Assessment (PatGA), pain intensity and distribution, fatigue, physical function (HAQ), health-related quality of life (EQ. 5D), comorbidities, and medical treatment were assessed. We used logistic regression analysis to study variables associated with maintenance and/or change of MVPA behavior. Results Forty-one per cent (n = 389) of the patients met MVPA recommendations on both occasions. Patients who met MVPA recommendations over 7 years were younger and a higher proportion were never-smokers. There was a negative association with being overweight or obese, having cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, pain, fatigue, and physical function, whereas there was a positive association between QoL and maintaining MVPA recommendations. Similar factors were positively associated with a deterioration in physical activity level over time. Conclusions Maintenance of physical activity over a long period of time is challenging for patients with established RA. Reports of high quality of life supported maintenance of physical activity while disease related and unhealthy lifestyle factors had a negative effect. Health professionals should consider the patient’s standpoint when encouraging maintenance of physical activity, preferably using coordinated lifestyle interventions.

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Evaluation of an Integrated Telemonitoring Surveillance System in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Methods of Information in Medicine ◽

10.3414/me15-02-0002 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 54 (05) ◽

pp. 388-397 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

S. Woess ◽

C. Baumgartner ◽

B. Fetz ◽

A. van der Heidt ◽

P. Kastner ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Coronary Heart Disease ◽

Heart Disease ◽

Health Status ◽

Patient Education ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Study Entry ◽

Adherence To Medication

SummaryObjectives: Cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent cause of death in industrialized countries. Non-adherence with prescribed medication and recommended lifestyle changes significantly increases the risk of major cardiovascular events. The telemonitoring programme MyCor (Myokardinfarkt und Koronarstent Programm in Tirol) is a multi-modal intervention programme to improve lifestyle and medication management of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). It includes patient education, self-monitoring with goal-setting and feedback, and regular clinical visits. We evaluated the MyCor telemonitoring programme regarding technical feasibility, user acceptance, patient adherence, change in health status, and change in quality of life.Methods: A 4½-month study was conducted with two telemonitoring phases and one interim phase. The study comprised patient surveys, standardized assessment of quality of life using the MacNew questionnaire at study entry and after 4 and 18 weeks, analysis of adherence to medication and physical activity during the two telemonitoring phases, and analysis of reached goals regarding health conditions during the telemonitoring phases.Results: Twenty-five patients (mean age: 63 years) participated in the study. Patients showed a high acceptance of the MyCor tele-monitoring programme. Patients reported feelings of self-control, motivation for lifestyle changes, and improved quality of life. Adherence to daily measurements was high with 86% and 77% in the two telemonitoring phases. Adherence to medication was also high with up to 87% and 80%. Pre-defined goals for physical activity were reached in up to 86% and 73% of days, respectively. Quality of life improved from 5.5 at study entry to 6.3 at the end (p< 0.01; MacNew questionnaire). Reductions in blood pressure and heart rate or an improvement in reaching defined goals could not be observed.Conclusions: The MyCor telemonitoring programme Tirol for CHD patients has a high rate of acceptance among included patients. Critical evaluation revealed subjective benefits regarding quality of life and health status as well as high adherence rates to medication and lifestyle changes. Achieving long-term adherence and verifying clinical outcomes, however, remains an open issue. Our findings will promote further studies, addressing different strategies for an optimal mix of patient education, telemonitoring, feedback, and clinical follow-ups.

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The Quality of Life Implications of Health Practices Among Older Adults: Evidence from the 1991 Canadian General Social Survey

Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement ◽

10.1017/s0714980800006760 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 299-314 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Kelly J. Gillis ◽

John P. Hirdes

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

General Social Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Activity Level ◽

Interactive Effects ◽

Health Practices ◽

Impaired Quality

ABSTRACTThe health promotion literature for young adults is not generalizable to the elderly, and different outcomes are likely to motivate changes in health practices within the two populations. Main and interactive effects of smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and physical activity on older Canadians' quality of life are examined with 1991 GSS data. Quality of life is operationalized with psychological well-being and subjective health indicators. Two dichotomous outcomes are used for each dimension, where one outcome is relatively sensitive in detecting impaired quality of life and the other relatively specific. Smoking was consistently associated with negative outcomes, but there was little evidence of adverse effects for alcohol consumption. Physical activity effects were most pronounced comparing sedentary and moderately active individuals. Body mass index showed curvilinear associations with impaired quality of life and interactions with smoking and activity level in separate models.

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Quality of Life and Nutrition During Pregnancy

JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH ◽

10.24297/jssr.v4i1.3219 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 428-441

Author(s):

Mitra Mirsanjari

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Well Being ◽

Lifestyle Changes ◽

Childbearing Age ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutritional Habits

A communitys transition towards modernity and urbanization leads to lifestyle changes that influence an individuals health through modifications in physical activity and nutritional habits. Women of childbearing age, particularly during pregnancy require special attention with regards to nutrition because their health potentially affects the well being of the entire community beside herself and the fetus. The aim of this study was to explore the association between quality of life and the nutrition knowledge and dietary intake among a group of pregnant women in Malaysia. A cross sectional survey was carried out to explore the association of knowledge, attitudes and healthy nutritional practices with quality of life during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. In this study, nutritional habits during pregnancy were significantly associated with social functioning, vitality and physical functioning. A basic understanding of the influence a healthy lifestyle has on physical and emotional well being during pregnancy helps the mother and family members to have a positive attitude towards the need for healthy behaviors in regard to nutrition and physical activity. The findings of this study show the importance of nutritional intake and behavior with respect to their effects on dimensions of health quality.

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Role of a Structured Physical Activity Pathway in Improving Functional Disability, Pain and Quality of Life in a Case of Breast and Gynecological Cancer Survivorship

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm8040531 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 531 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Daniela Mirandola ◽

Maria Grazia Muraca ◽

Eleonora Sgambati ◽

Mirko Manetti ◽

Mirca Marini

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Functional Disability ◽

Short Form ◽

Gynecological Cancer ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Lower Limb Pain

Physical activity (PA) interventions can improve physical functioning, treatment-related symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors. Most investigations have been conducted in breast cancer survivors, while studies on PA interventions in gynecological cancer survivors are scant. Here, we report for the first time the possible benefits of a structured PA pathway (i.e., eight weeks of adapted PA followed by twelve weeks of adapted fitness) on physical side effects, pain and QoL in an uncommon case of survivorship of both primary breast and gynecological cancers. For this purpose, a 69-year-old woman was assessed by functional test battery (shoulder–arm mobility, range of motion, back flexibility) at baseline and after the structured PA pathway. QoL and surgical shoulder, back and lower limb pain intensity were evaluated by Short Form-12 (SF-12) and numerical rating scale questionnaires, respectively. Lower limb circumference was also assessed. Improvement in upper limb function, reduction of lower limb edema and pain perception, as well as an increase in overall QoL were achieved after the completion of structured PA intervention. Our findings suggest that a PA intervention tailored to individual characteristics may represent an effective countermeasure to reduce post-treatment functional disability and pain, and thus to improve QoL in breast and gynecologic cancer survivors.

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