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Background & Objectives

Physical activity levels decrease significantly throughout the breast cancer continuum.

Physical activity has been shown to improve psychological well-being outcomes in breast cancer survivors (BCS).

Unfortunately, racially and ethnically diverse groups participate in low levels of physical activity and limited research has examined physical activity levels among racially and ethnically diverse BCS.

The purpose of the present study was to assess physical activity levels and examine associations between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), anxiety, depression, fatigue and quality of life in racially and ethnically diverse BCS compared to age-matched Caucasian BCS.

Methods

Participants

Self-identified racially and ethnically diverse BCS and age-matched Caucasian BCS with access to iPhone/iPad

Procedures

A cross-sectional study was conducted

Accelerometers sent to mail address
Questionnaires administered via an app developed by Digital Artefacts

Data Analysis

A partial correlation analysis was used to determine relationships across all variables whilst controlling for age, education, and months since breast cancer diagnosis

Results

Among racially/ethnically diverse BCS, MVPA was significantly correlated with fatigue (r = .38, p =.02) and quality of life (r =.42, p =.01), but not with depression (r=-.22) or anxiety (r=-.06).

Among age-matched Caucasian BCS, MVPA was not significantly associated with fatigue (r=.05), quality of life (r=.12), depression (r=.08), or anxiety (r=.09).

Conclusions

Findings indicate that MVPA is associated with less fatigue and higher quality of life in racially/ethnically diverse BCS, suggesting that engaging in higher levels of MVPA may contribute to a positive psychological well-being. Correlations found within this study appear to be stronger in racially/ethnically diverse BCS compared to age-matched Caucasian BCS. Larger studies are needed to examine these relationships further.

Measures

Physical activity measured via an accelerometer

Worn on the non-dominant hip for 7 consecutive days
Valid ≥ 3 days

Psychological Outcomes

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
Fatigue measured via Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue
Quality of Life measured via Satisfaction with Life Scale

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Partial Correlations with MVPA

Diverse and Age-Matched BCS Characteristics

Physical activity and Psychological Well-being Outcomes among Diverse and Age-Matched Caucasian Breast Cancer Survivors

Yuliana Soto¹, Jacqueline Guzman¹, Susan Aguiñaga¹, Diane Ehlers², Joan Severson³ & Edward McAuley¹

Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign¹

Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center²

Digital Artefacts³

* P < 0.05

	Caucasian BCS (n=41)	Diverse BCS (n=41)
Age	50.80 (±10.97)	53.44 (±9.93)
Education	6.41 (±0.836)	6.34 (± 1.04)
Income	5.39 (±1.22)	4.62 (±1.88)
Cancer Stage 0 1 2 3 4	1.88 (±.87) 2.4% 34.1% 39.0% 22.0% 2.4%	1.67 (±1.03) 10.3% 38.5% 30.8% 15.4% 5.1%
Months since Dx	75.95 (±63.944)	100.22 (±78.22)
MVPA	33.70 (±24.13)	19.56 (±16.68)
Fatigue^a	39.85 (±10.16)	38.0 (±11.41)
Quality of Life^b	24.59 (±6.90)	24.85 (6.94)
Anxiety^c	5.23 (±4.30)	6.122 (±4.12)
Depression^c	4.26 (±3.98)	4.71 (±3.92)

^a Scores range from 0 to 52 higher score indicates better quality of life.

^bScores range from 5-35 higher score indicates greater satisfactions with life.

^c Scores range from 0 to 21 (0-7 Normal, 8-10 Borderline Abnormal, 11-21 Abnormal)