Thesis
Vitalis: exploring the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a lifestyle survivorship program in young and middle-aged adult cancer survivors
University of Iowa
Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
Spring 2024
DOI: 10.25820/etd.007515
Abstract
Introduction: The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends cancer survivors engage in 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (PA) every week, consume five cups of fruits and vegetables each day, and sleep 7-8 hours every night. Unfortunately, most survivors fail to meet the recommendations. Despite low lifestyle behavioral compliance, few lifestyle-focused programs exist to address the unique needs of cancer survivors. PURPOSE: To test the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a health coaching lifestyle survivorship program on PA, eating patterns, and sleep behaviors among adult cancer survivors. METHODS: Young and middle-aged cancer survivors (<age 65) were recruited through electronic medical record queries, mass emails, and provider referrals. Participants received three health education videos on PA, eating patterns, and sleep, a Fitbit activity monitor to wear daily, and five health coaching sessions with a trained student health coach over eight weeks. Coaching sessions focused on improving lifestyle behaviors and life after cancer. PA (ActivPAL), eating patterns (automated self-administered 24-hour dietary recall used to calculate healthy eating index (HEI) score) and sleep (Condor Instruments ActTrust 2) were measured at baseline and eight weeks. Changes in primary behavioral outcomes over time (baseline to eight-week post-intervention) were analyzed with a paired t test. RESULTS: Participants (N=30, 80% female, mean BMI = 31.3+5.8 kg/m2 standard deviation (SD) mean age = 42+10.8 years) took 6,460+2409 steps/day at baseline and 6,929+2254 (p = 0.46) steps at post-intervention. Participants slept an average of 7.2 +0.9 hours/night at baseline and decreased slightly to 7.1+0.8 (p = 0.67). Mean HEI scores were 52.1+13.2 (out of a total possible score of 100) at baseline and 49.8+12.3 (p = 0.48) at post intervention. Participants reported that the intervention was highly acceptable and enjoyable. This intervention was determined to be feasible as 42/73 eligible people enrolled.
CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in measured lifestyle behaviors baseline and post intervention. There were promising trends observed among participants who were lowest in each behavior at baseline. Next steps for this study are to further refine the methods and re-test this trial with a different primary outcome measure.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Vitalis: exploring the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a lifestyle survivorship program in young and middle-aged adult cancer survivors
- Creators
- Nicholas Farkas
- Contributors
- Lucas Carr (Advisor)Katherine Mellen (Committee Member)Chooza Moon (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Health and Human Physiology
- Date degree season
- Spring 2024
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- DOI
- 10.25820/etd.007515
- Number of pages
- xii, 66 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2024 Nicholas Farkas
- Language
- English
- Date submitted
- 02/15/2024
- Description illustrations
- Illustrations, tables, graphs, charts
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 42-49).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
Introduction: It is recommended cancer survivors participate in regular physical activity, consume a variety of fruits and vegetables each day, and sleep 7-8 hours every night. Most survivors fail to meet the recommendations. Few lifestyle-focused programs exist to address the unique needs of cancer survivors. PURPOSE: To test if a health coaching lifestyle survivorship program is effective at changing PA, diet, and sleep behaviors among adult cancer survivors. METHODS: Young and middle-aged cancer survivors (RESULTS: A total of 30 participants completed the program. These participants were majority female, with an average height and weight that would classify them as a person with obesity, and an average age of 42 year. Participants daily steps, sleep, and diet quality did not change over the course of the intervention. Participants did, however, report that they were highly satisfied and enjoyed the intervention. CONCLUSION: There were no differences in the measured health. The next steps for this study are to refine the methods and test this program again with a different primary outcome.
- Academic Unit
- Health and Human Physiology
- Record Identifier
- 9984647455902771
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