Social networks and social support for healthy eating among Latina breast cancer survivors: implications for social and behavioral interventions

Abstract

Purpose Little is known about Latina breast cancer survivors' social networks or their perceived social support to achieve and maintain a healthy diet. This paper describes the social networks and perceived support for healthy eating in a sample of breast cancer survivors of predominantly Dominican descent living in New York City. Methods Spanish-speaking Latina breast cancer survivors enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a culturally-tailored dietary intervention. Social networks were assessed using Cohen's Social Network Index and a modified General Social Survey Social Networks Module that included assessments of shared health promoting behaviors. Perceived social support from family and friends for healthy, food-related behaviors was assessed. Results Participants' networks consisted predominantly of family and friends. Family members were more likely than other individuals to be identified as close network members. Participants were more likely to share food-related activities than exercise activities with close network members. Perceived social support for healthy eating was high, although perceived support from spouses and children was higher than support from friends. Despite high levels of perceived support, family was also identified as a barrier to eating healthy foods by nearly half of women. Conclusions Although friends are part of Latina breast cancer survivors' social networks, spouses and children may provide greater support for healthy eating than friends. Implications for Cancer Survivors Involving family members in dietary interventions for Latina breast cancer survivors may tap into positive sources of support for women, which could facilitate uptake and maintenance of healthy eating behaviors.

Social networks and quality of life among female breast cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialzed Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2019

“…The increase in number of cases from year to year is due to the increase in the awareness of women's on the disease, its prognosis and early screening and diagnosis (6, 7) More than 50% of breast cancer occurs in premenopausal women, aged younger than 40 years and/or with stage 3 disease (7) or age of the women ranged from 20 to 88 years (median age 43.0 years) (6) due to women's poor health seeking behaviors on quality of medical and nursing care, having children in their young age, low socio-economic status of females to cover needs and expenses associated with cancer and poor awareness breast cancer symptoms, prevention mechanisms, risk factors, and treatment options. Deaths of females from breast cancer during their most productive years could result in tragedy for families, food insecurity and children's withdrawal from school, an increased work burden on children and loss of assets (8).…”

“…One study has discovered that females with few social connections had a 43 percent higher risk of breast cancer returning, compared to well-connected females.. Likewise, the isolated female was 64 percent more likely to die from breast cancer and 69 percent more possible to die of any cause during the the study, compared to their complements with many social bonds (8).…”

Psychosocial Benefits of Cooking Interventions: A Systematic Review

“…While cooking-related behaviors and psychosocial determinants related to barriers to cooking have been well described (Adams et al, 2015; Crookes et al, 2016; Garcia, Reardon, McDonald, & Vargas-Garcia, 2016; Mills et al, 2017), psychosocial outcomes from cooking interventions have not. We hypothesize that there may be psychosocial benefits to participating in cooking interventions that potentially have clinical and public health implications.…”

Social support and quality of life among female breast cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia 2019:Cross-sectional study

“…Reports indicated that breast cancer was the common cancer which accounts around 33% of all female cancer cases (4). Food insecurity and children withdrawal from school, increased work burden on children and loss of assets were the common problems following death of women with breast cancer during their most productive years (5).…”