A pilot study of a low-intensity health education intervention on activity and quality-of-life measures for cancer survivors.

Abstract

221 Background: There is an increasing need for effective targeted health education interventions for cancer survivors related to dietary habits, physical activity and cancer related psychosocial challenges. Methods: We designed an educational program for cancer survivors (n=37 ) presenting for outpatient follow up visits. The program was composed of a 30-60 minute survivorship visit and a series of six 7-10 minute video tutorials shown two at a time either remotely or in person every two months over a six month period about the importance of diet, physical activity and psychosocial aspects of cancer survivorship. Baseline assessments of perceived state of health, physical activity, diet, and the Impact of cancer were made through a series of validated questionnaires, including SF-12, IPAQ, FRDHQ and IOC. Patients were then sent another follow-up survey in approximately 1 year to be filled online; those who could not respond were followed up by phone. Weight and height data were registered during 1 year follow-up visit. Results: 37 Patients initially participated in the study, of these, all 37 either replied/were followed up after a 1 year time period. 87% were women and 70% were African American, 25(66%) of patients had a prior diagnosis of breast carcinoma, 4 (11%) had a prior diagnosis of colorectal Carcinoma. 16 (43%), 13(35%) and 7(18%) of patients had <5 , 5-10 and >10 years since last surgery/chemotherapy. We demonstrated that this type of low intensity intervention is feasible in a medically underserved group of cancer survivors. There was a trend towards an improved Physical Composite Score (25.1 vs 43.1) and Mental Composite Score (54.1 vs 58.1) on the SF-12 questionnaire at the time of follow-up, indicating improved health and functional well being. There were no large noticeable differences in fat related dietary habits. Due to a small sample size, stated differences did not reach the threshold of statistical significance. Conclusions: Our pilot study suggests that a low intensity intervention is feasible and may be associated with improvement in health behaviors in cancer survivors. Larger studies are needed to explore the efficacy of this, and similar interventions.