Cross-sectional Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time among Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Cancer survivors are less active than the general population. Previous research has examined predictors of physical activity among cancer survivors; however, few studies have focused on adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors. PURPOSE: To examine cross-sectional relationships between demographic, psychosocial, disease-related characteristics, and measures of physical activity (steps, MVPA, and sedentary time) among AYA cancer survivors. METHODS: Eligible participants were diagnosed with cancer between 18-39y, >6 months post-treatment, and engaged in <60 min/wk of exercise. Participants wore an activPAL monitor for 7-days to obtain estimates of physical activity and sedentary time. Participants self-reported their health history (e.g., cancer type and treatment), demographics, psychosocial correlates (e.g., self-efficacy), and symptoms (e.g., fatigue). We used pearson correlations to assess bivariate relationships. For variables with significant correlations, we used linear regression models to assess the relationship between activity variables, demographics, and psychosocial factors. RESULTS: Fifty-four participants were eligible and provided informed consent; of those, 51 completed the baseline assessments and 48 had valid baseline data. Fatigue was significantly correlated with steps per day (R = -0.39), minutes of MVPA (R = -0.38), and percent of time sedentary (R = 0.40). There were no other significant correlations between psychosocial variables and steps, MVPA, or sedentary time. After adjusting for age and gender, breast cancer survivors had significantly higher steps per day than other cancer types (1,651 steps), more minutes of MVPA (13.7 min/day) and less sedentary time (-8.4%, p<0.05). The relationship between higher levels of fatigue, less physical activity, and more sedentary time remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, and cancer type (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results indicate a significant relationship between higher levels of fatigue, more sitting time, and less daily physical activity. Future research is needed to determine if increasing physical activity will reduce fatigue in AYA cancer survivors.Supported by Frost Fund and Cal Poly RSCA Grant.