Understanding Multiple Behavioral Risk Factors for Cancer in Rural Women

Abstract

Objectives This study examined demographic and health-related factors associated with risk behaviors that have been linked to cancer including smoking, high BMI, and low physical activity. Design and Sample A secondary analysis was conducted using data from Rural Families Speak about Health, a multi-state, epidemiologic study of rural American women and their families (N=444). Measurement Validated measures for various demographic and health related items including tobacco use, BMI, physical activity, and depression were used. Results Of the total sample with complete data (n=399) the mean age was 32 years and the majority were white (64%), married (67%), had a high school education or higher (73%), and had an annual household income of less than $40,000 (90%). Regarding cancer risk behaviors, 36% of the sample were smokers, 39% reported low levels of physical activity, and 45% had a calculated BMI over 30. Thirty-five percent of participants reported engaging in two or more risk behaviors. There were significant differences in income, perceived health status, and depression depending on the number of risk behaviors reported. Conclusions Understanding combinations of risk behaviors can assist nurses and other health professionals in tailoring multiple health behavior change interventions to prevent cancer among rural women.

Similarities and differences in the correlates of comorbidities in US male and female adult cancer survivors

“…In addition, nurses need to discuss unmodifiable correlates with their cancer patients in order to adequately inform and educate them regarding optimal care and prevention if these patients are to maintain their health to the greatest extent possible. Especially for public health nurses who practice in rural settings where there are often fewer health providers, targeting multiple health behaviors related to cancer at once may be especially efficient in utilizing their time and resources (Noonan et al, ).…”

Urban–Rural Variations in Quality of Care Among Patients With Cancer in California

“…10−12 Patients in rural areas face multiple challenges in obtaining cancer treatment, including long travel times, lack of access to specialists and clinical trials, and limited financial resources. 13,14 Previous research has found that patients with breast, cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer in rural areas are more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages and less likely to receive guideline-concordant radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. 11,15−17 Disparities in surgical access and poorer survival have been reported for patients with lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers.…”

Determination of Multiple Cancer Risk Behaviors Among Adult Population in Turkey: A Cross-sectional Study

“…In a study conducted in a rural areas in the US., it was found the rates of obese people and people with low physical activity were higher than the rates for other combinations of cancer risk behaviors (31). Another study found that the rates in combination of tobacco and alcohol use were higher than other cancer risk behaviors (6).…”