scholarly journals Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Technology Preferences to Support Cancer Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study

JMIR Cancer ◽  
10.2196/25317 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. e25317
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 ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Senior Centers ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Physical Activity Programs ◽  
Digital Or

Background COVID-19 has had significant health-related and behavioral impacts worldwide. Cancer survivors (hereafter referred to as “survivors”) are particularly prone to behavioral changes and are encouraged to be more vigilant and observe stricter social distancing measures. Objective We explored (1) changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviors since the onset of COVID-19, along with changes in mental health status, and (2) alternative strategies to support survivors’ physical activity and social health during and after COVID-19, along with the role of digital health in such strategies. Methods A questionnaire was distributed among survivors participating (currently or previously) in the community-based physical activity program LIVESTRONG at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), from 3 sites outside an urban area in Massachusetts. Questions addressed pre–COVID-19 vs current changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-2) and 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), and scores ≥3 indicated a clinical diagnosis of anxiety or depression, respectively. Digital health preferences were assessed through closed-ended questions. Open-ended responses addressing other preferences for physical activity programs and social support were analyzed, coded, and categorized into themes. Results Among 61 participants (mean age 62 [SD 10.4] years; females: 51/61 [83.6%]), 67.2% (n=41) reported decreased physical activity and 67.2% (n=41) reported prolonged sitting times since the onset of COVID-19. Further, 24.6% (n=15) and 26.2% (n=16) met the GAD-2 and PHQ-2 criteria for clinical anxiety and depression, respectively. All participants owned a cellphone; 90% (n=54) owned a smartphone. Preferences for physical activity programs (n=28) included three themes: (1) use of digital or remote platforms (Zoom, other online platforms, and video platforms), (2) specific activities and locations (eg, outdoor activities, walking, gardening, biking, and physical activities at the YMCA and at senior centers), and (3) importance of social support regardless of activity type (eg, time spent with family, friends, peers, or coaches). The survey revealed a mean score of 71.8 (SD 21.4; scale 0-100) for the importance of social support during physical activity programs. Social support preferences (n=15) revealed three themes: (1) support through remote platforms (eg, texting, Zoom, phone calls, emails, and Facebook), (2) tangible in-person support (YMCA and senior centers), and (3) social support with no specific platform (eg, small gatherings and family or friend visits). Conclusions Physical activity and mental health are critical factors for the quality of life of survivors, and interventions tailored to their activity preferences are necessary. Digital or remote physical activity programs with added social support may help address the ongoing needs of survivors during and after the pandemic.

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

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.

scholarly journals Sociodemographic and Psychological Risk Factors for Anxiety and Depression: Findings from the Covid-19 Health and Adherence Research in Scotland on Mental Health (CHARIS-MH) Cross-sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gill Hubbard ◽  
Chantal den Daas ◽  
Marie Johnston ◽  
Diane Dixon
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Illness Representations ◽  
Gender Effects ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Risk Factors ◽  
Psychological Risk

Abstract Background Investigations about mental health report prevalence rates with fewer studies investigating psychological and social factors influencing mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. Study aims: (1) identify sociodemographic groups of the adult population at risk of anxiety and depression and (2) determine if the following social and psychological risk factors for poor mental health moderated these direct sociodemographic effects: loneliness, social support, threat perception, illness representations. Methods Cross-sectional nationally representative telephone survey in Scotland in June 2020. If available, validated instruments were used, for example, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) to measure anxiety and depression. Simple linear regressions followed by examination of moderation effect. Results A total of 1006 participants; median age 53 years, 61.4% female, from all levels of area deprivation (i.e., 3.8% in the most deprived decile and 15.6% in the most affluent decile). Analyses show associations of anxiety and depression with sociodemographic (age, gender, deprivation), social (social support, loneliness) and psychological factors (perceived threat and illness representations). Mental health was poorer in younger adults, women and people living in the most deprived areas. Age effects were exacerbated by loneliness and illness representations, gender effects by loneliness and illness representations and deprivation effects by loneliness, social support, illness representations and perceived threat. In each case, the moderating variables amplified the detrimental effects of the sociodemographic factors. Conclusions These findings confirm the results of pre-Covid-19 pandemic studies about associations between sociodemographics and mental health. Loneliness, lack of social support and thoughts about Covid-19 exacerbated these effects and offer pointers for pre-emptive action.

scholarly journals Social relationships and patient-reported outcomes in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pragya G. Poudel ◽  
Hailey E. Bauer ◽  
Zhaoming Wang ◽  
I-Chan Huang
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Social Integration ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Pain Interference ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
P Values ◽  
Patient Reported

ABSTRACTImportanceNearly 89,000 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15 to 39 years old are diagnosed with cancer in U.S. annually. Cancer diagnosis in AYAs often alters achievement of age-specific milestones, interferes with interpersonal relations, and disrupts social life. However, social relations in AYA survivors and associations with patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have been understudied.ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of cancer on PROs in AYA survivors and identify social integration mechanisms through which cancer experiences influence PROs.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingA national Internet survey panel maintained by Opinions 4 Good (Portsmouth, New Hampshire).Participants102 AYA survivors and 102 age/sex/race-matched noncancer controls.ExposureSurvivors were exposed to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy during AYA.Main outcomes and measuresParticipants identified 25 closest friends/relatives they have contacted in past two years. Their interpersonal connections with each of 25 friends/relatives were used to create a social network index. The Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and PROMIS-29 Profile was used to measure social support, loneliness, and PROs (physical functioning, pain interference, fatigue, anxiety, and depression), respectively.ResultsAYA survivors of lymphoma, leukemia, and solid tumor had significantly better social networks than controls (all p-values <0.05). However, solid tumor and central nervous system malignancy survivors experienced higher loneliness than controls. Compared to controls, survivors had significantly poorer PROs in all domains. Cancer experience directly influenced all PRO domains (all p-values <0.05 except fatigue) and indirectly through social network-social support-loneliness pathways (all p-values <0.05). Survivors with high loneliness had lower physical functioning, higher pain interference, fatigue, anxiety, and depression compared with noncancer controls (all p-values <0.05).Conclusions and relevanceAYA survivors were more socially connected, but experienced greater loneliness than controls. The perceived loneliness greatly influenced PROs. Future research should focus on the functional aspects of social relations rather than considering the structural aspects of social integration, which would provide an opportunity for appropriate interventions to improve health outcomes through social integration.KEY POINTSQuestionHow do social relationships associate with self-reported health outcomes between adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors and noncancer controls?FindingsThis cross-sectional study revealed that AYA survivors were more socially connected, but perceived greater loneliness compared to noncancer controls. AYA survivors with high loneliness had lower physical functioning, higher pain interference, fatigue, anxiety, and depression compared to noncancer controls.MeaningThe findings of this study suggest that appropriate interventions, focused on improving functional social networks to further meet the needs of AYA cancer survivors, may function as a mean to prevent perceived loneliness and help achieve optimal health outcomes.

scholarly journals Green spaces and General Health: Roles of mental health status, social support, and physical activity

2016 ◽  
Vol 91 ◽  
pp. 161-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Payam Dadvand ◽  
Xavier Bartoll ◽  
Xavier Basagaña ◽  
Albert Dalmau-Bueno ◽  
David Martinez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Health Status ◽  
General Health ◽  
Mental Health Status ◽  
Green Spaces

Volume and social context of physical activity in association with mental health, anxiety and depression among youth

2016 ◽  
Vol 91 ◽  
pp. 344-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Doré ◽  
Jennifer L. O'Loughlin ◽  
Guy Beauchamp ◽  
Marc Martineau ◽  
Louise Fournier
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Context ◽  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Anxiety And Depression

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 1945-1958 ◽  
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

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

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 423-434 ◽  
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.

Partners of young breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional evaluation of psychosocial issues and mental health.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 184-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Borstelmann ◽  
Shoshana M. Rosenberg ◽  
Shari I. Gelber ◽  
Meghan E Meyer ◽  
Kathryn Jean Ruddy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Maladaptive Coping ◽  
Psychosocial Concerns ◽  
The Impact

184 Background: While evidence of the challenges of cancer caregiving has been growing, scant research addresses the experience of partners of young adults with cancer. These individuals and their relationships may be particularly vulnerable to stress, especially when managing the complexity of cancer care and survivorship with their partner. We sought to evaluate psychosocial concerns and mental health in the partners of young survivors of early stage breast cancer (BC). Methods: We invited partners of young women w/BC diagnosed at age ≤ 40 yrs enrolled in a prospective cohort study to participate in a one-time survey evaluating psychosocial concerns including quality of life, coping, social support, financial insecurity, partnership concerns, parenting concerns, anxiety and depression. Logistic regression was used to explore predictors of anxiety (score > 8 on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)). Results: Most respondents (284/289) were male, with median age 43 yrs (range 27-65). The median time of survey completion was 62 months (range 16 -114) after their partner’s dx. Respondents were mostly white (93%), working full time (94%), and college educated (78%); 29% reported some financial stress, 74% were parenting children < 18 yrs, and 32% reported at least a fair amount of relationship concern. 42% (106/250) had anxiety (39/289 respondents (13%) had incomplete/missing HADS). In univariable analyses, lower education, working full time, parenting concerns, insufficient social support and maladaptive coping were associated (p < .05) with anxiety. In the multivariable model, only maladaptive coping remained significantly associated with anxiety (p < .01, OR = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.22, 4.39)). Conclusions: Partners of young BC survivors who used less constructive/more maladaptive coping strategies experience negative mental health outcomes after tx has ended. Caregivers’ anxiety may have implications for both their own and survivors’ health and QOL. Future interventions might focus on the development of constructive coping strategies to enhance adjustment and role effectiveness in dealing with the impact of cancer.

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