Abstract A105: Healthy behaviors among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic people affected by cancer during the post-treatment survivorship

Abstract

Abstract Background: Racial and ethnic minoritized people, historically experience inequities, are disproportionately affected by suboptimal body weight, diet, and sedentary lifestyle. However, limited studies focus on cancer survivors' experiences developing and maintaining healthy behaviors, particularly in Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic people. Objective. This study aimed to understand the experiences of NHB and Hispanic people affected by cancer in developing and maintaining positive health behaviors beyond a cancer diagnosis. Methods. The data was collected in a mixed-method study through semi-structured interviews with 29 NHB and Hispanic cancer survivors between June- October 2022. Conventional content analysis was used. Results. The lived experiences of cancer survivors were narrated in three themes; 1- Impact of a cancer diagnosis on oneself, 2- Facilitators and Barriers to health and health behaviors, and 3- Utilization of available sources for health. Facilitators and barriers to health and health behaviors were further explored as biological (e.g., symptoms, comorbidities), behavioral (e.g., help-seeking behavior, sleep pattern), physical/built environment (e.g., available sources, neighborhood), and sociocultural environment (e.g., income, transportation, knowledge, culture, upbringing, household and community composition, social and family network), and healthcare system-related factors (e.g., insurance coverage, personal preferences, perceived discrimination, and stigma). Conclusion. NHB and Hispanic people affected by cancer, specifically those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods with limited sources or where they feel discriminated and stereotyped, those with limited income and transportation, and those with physical, social, or mental health problems, appeared to have challenges prioritizing health behaviors and maintaining healthy living. Implications for Practice. Biological, behavioral, and psychosocial determinants of health behaviors should be addressed through multilevel collaborations among different levels of partners. Keywords. Cancer survivorship, health behaviors, racial disparities, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic people Citation Format: Memnun Seven, Ann Marie Moraitis, Marilyn J. Hammer, Jessica Pearlman, Allecia Reid, Susan Sturgeon, Jennifer Wenzel. Healthy behaviors among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic people affected by cancer during the post-treatment survivorship [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A105.