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Psychosocial determinants of physical activity and dietary behaviors in adolescents and young adults with cancer and survivors
Author(s) -
Diorio Caroline,
Lin Meiko,
Ginn Elizabeth,
Ladas Elena J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.27243
Subject(s) - psychosocial , medicine , physical activity , blood cancer , gerontology , cancer , clinical psychology , psychiatry , physical therapy
Background Survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk of lifestyle influenced health issues. We sought to understand the association between stages of change (SOC) and psychosocial variables related to modifiable health behaviors: physical activity (PA), dietary fat intake, and intake of fruits and vegetables among adolescents and young adults at different phases of cancer therapy. Methods We conducted an exploratory cross‐sectional survey of adolescents and young adults currently being treated for cancer or who are survivors of childhood cancer. We evaluated SOC and several psychosocial variables using the previously validated Patient‐Centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise (PACE+): Physical Activity and Diet Surveys for Adolescents tool. Current dietary behaviors were evaluated with 24 hr diet recall. Results One hundred and eighteen patients participated in the survey. SOC did not vary by phase of treatment. Ethnicity and body mass index were strongly associated with SOC for PA, but not for dietary behaviors. There was a significant association between SOC and self‐efficacy , knowledge of strategies , and family or friend support for PA, dietary fat, and fruits and vegetables. Higher self‐efficacy and family support were significant variables impacting SOC and participants’ reported intake of fruits and vegetables servings. Conclusion We demonstrate that SOC for the investigated behaviors did not change based on phase of treatment, supporting the initiation of lifestyle interventions early on in treatment. We identify several psychosocial variables that may act as important targets for future lifestyle interventions aimed to improve dietary and exercise behaviors in adolescents and young adults with cancer and survivors.