Health behaviour practices and expectations for a local cancer survivorship programme: a cross-sectional study of survivors of childhood cancer in Hong Kong.

Abstract

Lifestyle choices may influence health outcomes in cancer survivors. This study of childhood cancer survivors in Hong Kong investigated factors associated with health-protective and health-damaging behaviours; it also examined expectations of a survivorship programme. This cross-sectional study recruited survivors of childhood cancer ≥2 years after treatment. Survivors completed a structured questionnaire to report their health practices and the perceived values of survivorship programme components. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with health behaviours. Two hundred survivors were recruited (mean age=23.4 ± 8.8 years; mean duration since treatment, 13.4 ± 7.6 years). Comparatively few survivors exercised ≥4 days/week (16.0%), used sun protection (18.0%), and had a balanced diet (38.5%). Furthermore, comparatively few survivors reported that they had not undergone any immunisation (24.5%) or were unsure (18.5%) about their immunisation history. Most adult survivors were never-drinkers (71.0%) and never-smokers (93.0%). Brain tumour survivors were more likely to have unhealthy eating habits, compared with haematological malignancy survivors (odds ratio [OR]=2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.29-4.68). Lower socioeconomic status was associated with inadequate sun protection (OR=0.20; 95% CI=0.05-0.83), smoking (OR=5.13; 95% CI=1.48-17.75), and exposure to second-hand smoke (OR=3.52; 95% CI=1.42-8.69). Late-effects screening (78.5%) and psychosocial services to address psychological distress (77%) were considered essential components of a survivorship programme. Despite the low prevalences of health-damaging behaviours, local survivors of childhood cancer are not engaging in health-protective behaviours. A multidisciplinary programme addressing late effects and psychosocial aspects may address the multifaceted needs of this special population.