scholarly journals Experiences of African American Breast Cancer Survivors Using Digital Scales and Activity Trackers in a Weight Gain Prevention Intervention: Qualitative Study

10.2196/16059 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. e16059
Author(s):  
Julianne M Power ◽  
Deborah F Tate ◽  
Carmina G Valle
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
African American ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Daily Activity ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Weight Gain Prevention ◽  
Activity Tracking ◽  
Activity Trackers

Background The use of digital tools to promote daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking may be a promising strategy for weight control among African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS). There have been no studies exploring the acceptability and feasibility of using digital tools for weight control or qualitative studies characterizing perceptions of daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking among AABCS. Objective This study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking using digital tools, including wireless scales and activity trackers, in a sample of AABCS participating in two technology-based weight gain prevention interventions over 6 months. Methods Semistructured interviews (N=21) were conducted in person or over the phone, were audio recorded, and then transcribed verbatim. Each transcript was read to identify key themes and develop a codebook. Each transcript was coded using Atlas.ti software, and code outputs were used to identify overarching themes and patterns in the data. Results On average, participants were 52.6 (SD 8.3) years of age, with obesity at baseline (BMI 33.1 kg/m2, SD 5.9), and weighed on 123.4 (SD 48.0) days out of the 168 days (73.5%) in the study period. Women tended to attribute their weight gain to cancer treatment and framed program benefits in terms of improved quality of life and perceptions of prolonging their survival following treatment. Using the smart scale for daily self-weighing was viewed as the tool by which participants could control their weight and improve their health and well-being posttreatment. The activity tracker increased awareness of physical activity and motivated participants to be more active. Conclusions Participants reported positive experiences and benefits from daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking. Findings suggest that daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking using digital tools are well-received, acceptable, and feasible intervention strategies for AABCS in the context of posttreatment weight management.

Experiences of African American Breast Cancer Survivors Using Digital Scales and Activity Trackers in a Weight Gain Prevention Intervention: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julianne M Power ◽  
Deborah F Tate ◽  
Carmina G Valle
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
African American ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Daily Activity ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Weight Gain Prevention ◽  
Activity Tracking ◽  
Activity Trackers

BACKGROUND The use of digital tools to promote daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking may be a promising strategy for weight control among African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS). There have been no studies exploring the acceptability and feasibility of using digital tools for weight control or qualitative studies characterizing perceptions of daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking among AABCS. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking using digital tools, including wireless scales and activity trackers, in a sample of AABCS participating in two technology-based weight gain prevention interventions over 6 months. METHODS Semistructured interviews (N=21) were conducted in person or over the phone, were audio recorded, and then transcribed verbatim. Each transcript was read to identify key themes and develop a codebook. Each transcript was coded using Atlas.ti software, and code outputs were used to identify overarching themes and patterns in the data. RESULTS On average, participants were 52.6 (SD 8.3) years of age, with obesity at baseline (BMI 33.1 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, SD 5.9), and weighed on 123.4 (SD 48.0) days out of the 168 days (73.5%) in the study period. Women tended to attribute their weight gain to cancer treatment and framed program benefits in terms of improved quality of life and perceptions of prolonging their survival following treatment. Using the smart scale for daily self-weighing was viewed as the tool by which participants could control their weight and improve their health and well-being posttreatment. The activity tracker increased awareness of physical activity and motivated participants to be more active. CONCLUSIONS Participants reported positive experiences and benefits from daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking. Findings suggest that daily self-weighing and daily activity tracking using digital tools are well-received, acceptable, and feasible intervention strategies for AABCS in the context of posttreatment weight management.

scholarly journals Weight management barriers and facilitators after breast cancer in Australian women: a national survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Ee ◽  
Adele Elizabeth Cave ◽  
Dhevaksha Naidoo ◽  
Kellie Bilinski ◽  
John Boyages
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Weight Gain Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exercise Interventions

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Weight gain after breast cancer is associated with poorer health outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe how Australian breast cancer survivors are currently managing their weight. Methods: Online cross-sectional survey open to any woman living in Australia who self-identified as having breast cancer, between November 2017 and January 2018. Results: We received 309 responses. Most respondents described their diet as good/excellent and reported moderate-high levels of weight self-efficacy. Despite this, the proportion of overweight/obesity increased from 47% at time of diagnosis to 67% at time of survey. More than three quarters of respondents did not receive any advice on weight gain prevention at the time of diagnosis. 39% of women reported being less active after cancer diagnosis, and and few weight loss interventions were perceived to be effective. Facilitators were structured exercise programs, prescribed diets, and accountability to someone else, while commonly cited barriers were lack of motivation/willpower, fatigue, and difficulty maintaining weight. Women who cited fatigue as a barrier were almost twice as likely to be doing low levels of physical activity (PA) or no PA than women who did not cite fatigue as a barrier. Conclusions: We report high levels of concern about weight gain after BC and significant gaps in service provision around weight gain prevention and weight management. Women with BC should be provided with support for weight gain prevention in the early survivorship phase, which should include structured PA and dietary changes in combination with behavioural change and social support. Weight gain prevention or weight loss programs should address barriers such as fatigue. More research is required on the effectiveness of diet and exercise interventions in BC survivors, particularly with regard to weight gain prevention.

scholarly journals Feasibility and potential efficacy of commercial mHealth/eHealth tools for weight loss in African American breast cancer survivors: pilot randomized controlled trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 938-948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne M Ferrante ◽  
Katie A Devine ◽  
Alicja Bator ◽  
Ashley Rodgers ◽  
Pamela A Ohman-Strickland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
African American ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Potential Efficacy

Abstract Weight management after breast cancer (BC) treatment in African American (AA) women is crucial to reduce comorbid conditions and health disparities. We examined feasibility and potential efficacy of commercial eHealth/mHealth tools for weight management in AA BC survivors in New Jersey. Participants (N = 35) were randomized to an intervention (SparkPeople) plus activity tracker, Fitbit Charge (n = 18), or wait-list active control group (Fitbit only, n = 17). Anthropometric, behavioral, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Differences in outcomes were assessed using intent-to-treat analysis. Retention was 97.1%. Both groups lost weight, with no significant differences between groups. At month 6, mean weight change was: intervention: −1.71 kg (SD 2.33; p = .006), 33.3% lost ≥3% of baseline weight; control: −2.54 kg (SD 4.00, p = .002), 23.5% lost ≥3% weight. Intervention participants achieved significant improvements in waist circumference (−3.56 cm, SD 4.70, p = .005), QOL (p = .030), and use of strategies for healthy eating (p = .025) and decreasing calories (p &lt; .001). Number of days logged food per week was associated with decreases in waist circumference at 6 months (β −0.79, 95% CI, −1.49, −0.09, p = .030) and 12 months (β −2.16, 95% CI, −4.17, −0.15, p = .038). Weight loss was maintained at 12 months. This is the first study to demonstrate potential efficacy of commercial eHealth/mHealth tools for weight loss in AA BC survivors, without additional counseling from the research team. If effective, they may be convenient weight loss tools that can be easily and widely disseminated. Clinical Trials registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02699983

scholarly journals Weight management barriers and facilitators after breast cancer in Australian women: a national survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Ee ◽  
Adele Elizabeth Cave ◽  
Dhevaksha Naidoo ◽  
Kellie Bilinski ◽  
John Boyages
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Weight Gain Prevention ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Exercise Interventions

Abstract Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Weight gain after breast cancer is associated with poorer health outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe how Australian breast cancer survivors are currently managing their weight.Methods Online cross-sectional survey open to any woman living in Australia who self-identified as having breast cancer, between November 2017 and January 2018.Results We received 309 responses. Most respondents described their diet as good/excellent and reported moderate-high levels of weight self-efficacy. Despite this, the proportion of overweight/obesity increased from 47% at time of diagnosis to 67% at time of survey. More than three quarters of respondents did not receive any advice on weight gain prevention at the time of diagnosis. 39% of women reported being less active after cancer diagnosis, and and few weight loss interventions were perceived to be effective. Facilitators were structured exercise programs, prescribed diets, and accountability to someone else, while commonly cited barriers were lack of motivation/willpower, fatigue, and difficulty maintaining weight. Women who cited fatigue as a barrier were almost twice as likely to be doing low levels of physical activity or no physical activity than women who did not cite fatigue as a barrier.Conclusions We report high levels of concern about weight gain after BC and significant gaps in service provision around weight gain prevention and weight management. Women with BC should be provided with support for weight gain prevention in the early survivorship phase, which should include structured physical activity and dietary changes in combination with behavioural change and social support. Weight gain prevention or weight loss programs should address barriers such as fatigue. More research is required on the effectiveness of diet and exercise interventions in BC survivors, particularly with regard to weight gain prevention.

Abstract B08: Correlations between weight gain and physical health among African American breast cancer survivors

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selina A. Smith ◽  
Mechelle D. Claridy ◽  
Mary S. Whitehead ◽  
Joyce Q. Sheats ◽  
Bakak Baban ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
African American ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors
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