scholarly journals Characterizing the Exercise Behaviour, Preferences, Barriers, and Facilitators of Cancer Survivors in a Rural Canadian Community: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 3172-3187
Author(s):  
Jenna Smith-Turchyn ◽  
Lisa Allen ◽  
Jennifer Dart ◽  
Deanna Lavigne ◽  
Simran Rooprai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Exercise Participation ◽  
Exercise Barriers ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors

Barriers, facilitators, and motivators to exercise for cancer survivors living in urban settings are well described in the literature. However, there is a lack of comparable information for cancer survivors living in rural communities. We describe the exercise behaviours, barriers, facilitators, and motivators to exercise participation of cancer survivors living in a rural Canadian community. Adult cancer survivors with a primary address in a rural region of Ontario, Canada, who had visited a community hospital in the previous five years were mailed a cross-sectional survey assessing current exercise volume (minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic and resistance exercise), as well as exercise preferences, barriers, and facilitators. Seventy-two survivors (mean age 65 years) completed the survey (16% response rate). A majority of respondents were diagnosed with breast cancer (49%) in the last 5 years (61%). Aerobic- and resistance-training guidelines for cancer survivors were met by 38% and 10% of respondents, respectively. Physical side effects were the most common barrier to exercise during treatment (65%) and post-treatment (35%). Being unaware of available exercise programs, time for exercise, distance to exercise services, and cost were commonly reported barriers during and post-treatment (reported by 10–22%). Respondents reported needing information from a qualified exercise professional (46%), access to a gym (33%) and exercise equipment (26%), and social support (25%) to facilitate exercise participation. Consistent with urban-based cancer survivors, most rural survivors surveyed in this study were not meeting the physical-activity guidelines and reported numerous exercise barriers. These findings can serve as a resource for this and similar rural communities when developing community-based exercise-support services for cancer survivors.

The unmet needs of cancer survivors and their preferences for discussing them with oncologists and general practitioners (GPs).

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9602-9602
Author(s):  
Kate Webber ◽  
Afaf Girgis ◽  
Barbara Kaye Bennett ◽  
Antonino Bonaventura ◽  
Frances M. Boyle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors

9602 Background: Cancer survivors experience a range of post-treatment issues which are not well met by current services. This study explores the unmet needs of adult cancer survivors and their levels of comfort in addressing issues with oncologists and GPs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was mailed to adult cancer survivors 4 years from diagnosis from 6 oncology units. Self-report data were obtained ranking physical, psychological and practical areas of importance to survivors; unmet needs in these areas; and the providers with whom they were happy to discuss each issue. Descriptive statistics were obtained regarding needs and preferences. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses assessed demographic and clinical variables associated with 4 or more unmet care needs. Results: 228 surveys were returned (response rate 50.5%). Respondents had a mean age of 59.3 years (range 32-87), 71.5% were female, with most common primary cancers being breast (71.5%), colorectal (13.9%), prostate (4.5%) and ovarian (2.2%). The most commonly reported unmet needs were information about late effects (50.3%), managing fatigue (41.7 %), genetic risk to family (34.7%), reassurance (32.0 %) and diet (31.4 %). The median number of unmet needs was 4 (range 0-23). On univariate analysis, female gender, younger age and tertiary education were associated with greater unmet needs (p<0.001, p=0.01 and p=0.02). On multivariate analysis higher education (p=0.04) remained independently associated. Conclusions: Cancer survivors report significant unmet care needs, and their comfort levels for discussing them varies between providers. Some key issues are not entrusted to either oncologists or GPs. Models of care for survivors must address these potential deficits in care. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Impact of gender and employment type on job loss among cancer survivors

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 766-771
Author(s):  
Miyako Tsuchiya ◽  
Yoshitsugu Horio ◽  
Hatsumi Funazaki ◽  
Kenjiro Aogi ◽  
Kazue Miyauchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Job Loss ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Temporary Employees ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
After Cancer ◽  
Response Rate Data ◽  
Balance Treatment

Abstract Objective To identify factors associated with cancer-related job loss following cancer diagnosis. Methods A multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult cancer survivors employed at the time of cancer diagnosis. Hierarchical multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association of gender and employment type with job loss after cancer diagnosis and if the interaction between gender and employment type predicted job loss. Results Of 1618 patients recruited, 1483 returned questionnaires (91.7% response rate). Data from 708 patients were eligible for analyses. Approximately 21% of patients had lost their job within 10 years of diagnosis. Patients who had undergone chemotherapy were more likely to lose their jobs than those who had not (OR = 3.24, 95% CI 2.13–4.91). Women were more likely to lose their jobs than men (OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.48–4.50). Temporary employees were more likely to lose their jobs than regular employees (OR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.72–3.99). After controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics, no interaction effects between gender and employment type were observed (P = 0.44). Conclusions Women and temporary employees are more vulnerable to cancer-related job loss. Clinicians need greater awareness of the risk of patient job loss, and they need to assess patients’ employment types and provide appropriate support to balance treatment schedules and work.

Does Financial Toxicity Exist Amongst Adult Cancer Survivors Treated with Curative-Intent Radiotherapy? A Pilot Study from Singapore

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivy Weishan Ng ◽  
Kah Hung Yuen ◽  
Tian Meng ◽  
Chuan Chien Tan ◽  
Chong Ming Yeo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Population Based ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Financial Toxicity ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors

Abstract Background Cancer survivors may experience financial toxicity (FT) arising from diagnosis, treatµent, and potential employment loss. The prevalence of FT in the context of Singapore healthcare model is unknown. We investigate if higher out of pocket (OOP) expenditure correlates positively with FT, and if higher FT correlates with a worse quality of life (QoL). Methods In this pilot study, a cross-sectional survey was administered to survivors of nasopharyngeal or breast cancer, at National University Hospital Singapore. Patients’ FT and QOL were measured using the COmprehensive Score on financial Toxicity (COST) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy: General (FACT-G). Two multivariate regression models estimated (i) the association between FT and a range of variables and (ii) FT and QOL. Results 63% of our cohort of 76 patients experienced mild-moderate FT. Overall, the mean COST and FACT-G scores are 18.0 (out of 44) and 68.3 (out of 108), respectively. There was a positive correlation between COST and FACT-G scores (r = 0.45). We did not find any significant association between OOP and FT. Predictors for FT included government-subsidized housing, lower education levels, hiring a formal caregiver, and the need for household members to take on extra employment. Conclusion Greater FT correlates with a decline in QoL. Lower socio-economic patients are at higher risk of FT. OOP was not directed related to FT, likely in view of the effective means-tested subsidies. Additional resources should be considered for this at-risk population. Based on our pilot study, our methodology to quantify FT and OOP can be scaled up to other cancer primaries.

scholarly journals Comparing Outcomes of a Digital Commercial Weight Loss Program in Adult Cancer Survivors and Matched Controls with Overweight or Obesity: Retrospective Analysis

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2908
Author(s):  
Christine N. May ◽  
Annabell Suh Ho ◽  
Qiuchen Yang ◽  
Meaghan McCallum ◽  
Neil M. Iyengar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Program Effectiveness ◽  
Weight Loss Program ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
Program Engagement

Maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial for cancer survivors. However, weight loss program effectiveness studies have primarily been in highly controlled settings. This is a retrospective study exploring real-world outcomes (weight loss and program engagement) after use of a digital commercial weight loss program (Noom) in cancer survivors and matched controls. All participants had voluntarily self-enrolled in Noom. Weight and engagement data were extracted from the program. Cancer-related quality of life was secondarily assessed in a one-time cross-sectional survey for survivors. Controls were a sample of Noom users with overweight/obesity who had no history of cancer but 0–1 chronic conditions. Primary outcomes were weight change at 16 weeks and program engagement over 16 weeks. Engagement included frequency of weight, food, and physical activity logging, as well as number of coach messages. Multiple regression controlling for baseline age, gender, engagement, and BMI showed that survivors lost less weight than controls (B = −2.40, s.e. = 0.97, p = 0.01). Survivors also weighed in less (survivors: 5.4 [2.3]; controls: 5.7 [2.1], p = 0.01) and exercised less (survivors: 1.8 [3.2]; controls: 3.2 [4.1], p < 0.001) than controls. However, survivors sent more coach messages (survivors: 2.1 [2.4]; controls: 1.7 [2.0], p < 0.001). Despite controls losing more weight than cancer survivors (−7.0 kg vs. −5.3 kg), survivors lost significant weight in 4 months (M = −6.2%). Cancer survivors can have success on digital commercial programs available outside of a clinical trial. However, they may require additional support to engage in weight management behaviors.

Proposal for Improving Records Management Practices of Traditional Institutions in Ga Molepo, South Africa

Mousaion ◽  
10.25159/2054 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-67
Author(s):  
Mahlaga Johannes Molepo ◽  
Linda M. Cloete
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Records Management ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Local Municipalities ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Traditional Institutions

The way in which an institution treats its records is crucial for its survival in a rapidly changing society. The purpose of the study was to investigate the records management practices and challenges faced by traditional institutions of leadership and governance in Ga Molepo, Limpopo, South Africa. The researcher employed a cross-sectional survey in order to quantitatively examine the challenges faced by members of traditional councils. A researcher administered questionnaire was used as a data collection tool to study a stratified sample of 35 members from an estimated population of 350. The findings revealed patterns and trends of non-compliance with records management standards and guidelines. Although there were sporadic cases of record keeping, a greater number of respondents revealed that traditional institutions lack the facilities, equipment, education and trained/skilled personnel to apply correct records management procedures in their daily administration of their traditional communities. The main value of the study is to create awareness of records management as one of the neglected areas in traditional institutions – which are by current legislative arrangement, the closest form of leadership and governance for rural communities in light of their relationship with local municipalities and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

scholarly journals The PROMISES study: a mixed methods approach to explore the acceptability of salivary progesterone testing for preterm birth risk among pregnant women and trained frontline healthcare workers in rural India

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e040268
Author(s):  
Danielle Ashworth ◽  
Pankhuri Sharma ◽  
Sergio A Silverio ◽  
Simi Khan ◽  
Nishtha Kathuria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Rural India ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Thematic Framework

IntroductionIndia has an overall neonatal mortality rate of 28/1000 live births, with higher rates in rural India. Approximately 3.5 million pregnancies in India are affected by preterm birth (PTB) annually and contribute to approximately a quarter of PTBs globally. Embedded within the PROMISES study (which aims to validate a low-cost salivary progesterone test for early detection of PTB risk), we present a mixed methods explanatory sequential feasibility substudy of the salivary progesterone test.MethodsA pretraining and post-training questionnaire to assess Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) (n=201) knowledge and experience of PTB and salivary progesterone sampling was analysed using the McNemar test. Descriptive statistics for a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women (n=400) are presented in which the acceptability of this test for pregnant women is assessed. Structured interviews were undertaken with ASHAs (n=10) and pregnant women (n=9), and were analysed using thematic framework analysis to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the use of this test in rural India.ResultsBefore training, ASHAs’ knowledge of PTB (including risk factors, causes, postnatal support and testing) was very limited. After the training programme, there was a significant improvement in the ASHAs’ knowledge of PTB. All 400 women reported the salivary test was acceptable with the majority finding it easy but not quick or better than drawing blood. For the qualitative aspects of the study, analysis of interview data with ASHAs and women, our thematic framework comprised of three main areas: implementation of intervention; networks of influence and access to healthcare. Qualitative data were stratified and presented as barriers and facilitators.ConclusionThis study suggests support for ongoing investigations validating PTB testing using salivary progesterone in rural settings.

scholarly journals Distribution of sources of household air pollution: a cross-sectional study in Cameroon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esong Miranda Baame ◽  
André Pascal Goura ◽  
Bertrand Hugo Ngahane Mbatchou ◽  
Berenice Walage ◽  
Herman Styve Yomi Simo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Health District ◽  
Household Air Pollution ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Population Exposure ◽  
Liquefied Petroleum Gas ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Household air pollution (HAP) is a recognised risk factor for many diseases, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular/circulatory disorders, adverse pregnancy outcomes and cataracts. Population exposure to biomass fuels, including wood, varies among countries and from one fuel source to the other. This study aimed to investigate the different sources of HAP in peri-urban and rural communities in Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of households from the Dschang Health District (DHD) region. This included 848 homes in which a range of fuels for cooking including biomass (firewood, charcoal, sawdust), kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were used both indoors and outdoors. Results: Of the study households, 651 (77%) reported exclusive use of firewood and 141 (17%) reported using more than one source of fuel. Exclusive use of firewood was greater in rural communities (94%) than in peri-urban communities (38%). In peri-urban communites, use of multiple fuels including LPG, wood, sawdust and kerosene, was more common (44.75%). A total of 25.03% of households in both peri-urban and rural communities reported using bottled gas (or liquified petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking. Motivations for choice of fuel included, price, availability (easy access), rapidity, tradition or culture related factorsConclusion: Wood is the main cooking fuel in both peri-urban and rural communities in the Dschang Health District. Work to help households (especially those who are resource poor) to adopt LPG equipment for cooking, and use in a more exclusive way is required.

Prevalence of fertility discussions between young adult colorectal cancer survivors and their providers.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 3518-3518
Author(s):  
Julia Stal ◽  
Serena Yi ◽  
Sally Cohen-Cutler ◽  
Phuong Gallagher ◽  
Afsaneh Barzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Tumor Location ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Delivery Of Care

3518 Background: Clinical guidelines indicate that oncologists should discuss potential treatment-induced infertility with patients with reproductive potential. Due to tumor location and use of multimodal therapies, young adults with colorectal cancer (CRC) are at heightened risk for treatment-related infertility. Methods: An online, cross-sectional survey was administered in collaboration with a national patient advocacy organization for young adult CRC survivors (currently under age 50). Survivors were asked to indicate if a doctor had ever talked to them about potential problems with their ability to have children after treatment and if they banked eggs/embryos (females) or sperm (males) prior to their cancer therapy. Those who reported that they did not preserve fertility were asked to indicate why ( not sure; I chose not to; I did not know this was an option; I wanted to, but could not afford it; and I wanted to, but my treatment would not allow it). Results: A total of 234 colon (N=86) or rectal (N=148) cancer survivors were included in the study (male [61.9%] and White [77.9%; table]). Most respondents were diagnosed with stage 2 cancer (55.8% colon, 61.6% rectal). Over half of male and female survivors reported that their doctor did not talk to them about problems with their ability to have children after treatment, and 75% did not bank eggs/embryos or sperm prior to their cancer therapy. Of those, over 20% endorsed ‘I wanted to, but could not afford it’ and over 20% endorsed ‘I did not know this was an option’. Conclusions: Most CRC survivors in this study reported never having a fertility discussion with their provider, suggesting that survivors are not receiving, or cannot recall, comprehensive and guideline-concordant cancer care. In addition, one-fifth were not aware of preservation options, suggesting potential healthcare and/or provider-level barriers to appropriate fertility counseling. Fertility preservation cost is another barrier to the appropriate delivery of care. Providers must ensure that patients receive timely fertility discussions covering options to preserve fertility to mitigate this late effect of cancer treatment to ensure optimal quality of life for CRC patients with reproductive potential.[Table: see text]

Effect of the Migration Option on Rural Microenterprise Establishment Decisions in the Mfantsiman Municipality of Ghana

2020 ◽  
pp. 097300522096500
Author(s):  
William Yaw Amuesi Kodwiw ◽  
John Victor Mensah
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Interactive Effect ◽  
Personal Attributes ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Development Interventions ◽  
Migration Factor ◽  
Institutional Support Services ◽  
Rural Dwellers ◽  
Returns On Investment

The role of microenterprise in providing economic opportunities and employment options to the poor due to their ease of entry is recognised across the world. To enhance rural job creation through microenterprise development interventions, it is essential to understand how microenterprise establishment decisions are made among rural dwellers. The study examined how the option to migrate to other localities affects microenterprise establishment decisions among rural dwellers in the Mfantsiman Municipality of Ghana. A mixed method design was used in the study. This involved a cross-sectional survey of 20 rural communities, during which data was collected from 800 respondents. Data were also collected from one focus group in each of the 20 communities. A conjoint decision analysis was carried out from interactions of the attributes of each respondent with the migration factor and other socio-economic factors. The migration option reduced the probability of local microenterprise establishment, with the most significant effect among people aged between 15 and 30 years. Furthermore, rural microenterprise establishment decisions are least influenced by the interactive effect of personal attributes and the migration factor as compared to interaction with other factors including access to electricity, institutional support services, market for outputs and returns on investment.

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