Longitudinal social cognitive influences on physical activity and sedentary time in Hispanic breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Objective This study evaluated the effect of two home-based exercise interventions (one culturally-adapted and one standard) on changes in Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) variables, physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST), and to determine the association between changes in SCT variables and changes in PA and ST in Hispanic breast cancer survivors. Method Project VIVA! was a 16-week randomized controlled pilot study to test the effectiveness and feasibility of a culturally-adapted exercise intervention for Mexican American and Puerto Rican breast cancer survivors in Houston, Texas and San Juan, Puerto Rico, respectively. Women (N=89) completed questionnaires on SCT variables, PA and ST and were then randomized to a 16-week culturally-adapted exercise program, a non-culturally adapted standard exercise intervention or a wait-list control group. Multiple regression models were used to determine associations between changes in SCT variables and changes in PA and ST. Results Participants were in their late 50s (58.5 ± 9.2 years) and obese (31.0 ± 6.5 kg/m2). Women reported doing roughly 34.5 minutes/day of PA and spending over 11 hours/day in sedentary activities. Across groups, women reported significant increases in exercise self-efficacy and moderate-intensity, vigorous-intensity, and total physical activity from baseline to follow-up (p<.05). Increased social support from family was associated with increases in vigorous-intensity PA. Increases in social modeling were associated with increases in moderate-intensity and total PA and decreases in ST from baseline to follow-up (p<.05). Conclusions Hispanic cancer survivors benefit from PA interventions that focus on increasing social support from family and friends and social modeling.

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

“…General family support predicted increased PA and was positively correlated with PA, although not when controlling for friend support . Family support for PA was not associated with PA, except when support was reported by the family member, and in one case where it negatively predicted PA . General spousal support was correlated with PA, except when controlling for friend support, but spouse support for PA was positively associated with PA .…”

“…General friend support was positively associated with PA in one study but not in another . PA friend support was positively associated with MVPA but not light or total PA in one study and not associated in four others . Expectations of support for PA from other survivors was not associated with PA, but support from social network friends met as part of an intervention was positively associated with MVPA (but not light or total PA) .…”

Weight management and physical activity throughout the cancer care continuum

“…To date, weight management and PA interventions among racial/ethnic minority cancer survivors have established feasibility and safety and report positive, albeit modest, results, including weight loss, behavioral changes, improved QOL and biomarker status, and decreased cancer‐related anxiety . Limitations of many studies include quasi‐experimental designs, small sample sizes, a focus on behavioral outcomes, and sole inclusion of breast cancer survivors.…”

Physical activity and breast cancer survivors: Importance of adherence, motivational interviewing and psychological health

“…In addition, professionals should focus on a participants' improvement and use positive reinforcement [6]. A physical activity promotion program providing information about self-efficacy and social supports through weekly phone call and newsletters for Hispanic breast cancer survivors showed increased levels of exercise self-efficacy believes which were related to physical activity intensity [40]. A SCTbased physical activity project has also been successfully conducted for breast cancer survivors (improved physical fitness and social well-being) using both supervision and self-monitoring strategies (activity recorded by accelerometer) [41,42].…”