Interventions about physical activity and diet and their impact on adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a Prisma systematic review

Purpose: Over the past few decades, the incidence of cancer among adolescents and young adults (AYA) has been increasing. The impact of behaviors, such as physical activity (PA) and nutrition, on disease progression, prognosis, and overall health and quality of life for AYA cancer survivors is of significant importance. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PA and diet interventions for AYA cancer survivors and to critically evaluate existing literature, gaps, and limitations. Methods: A search of literature was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar following the PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-two studies were included from online databases from 2012 to 2022, 13 of which were randomized controlled trials. Results: Most interventions were related to PA, with only four studies including nutrition or Diet interventions. The interventions were generally feasible and acceptable to AYA cancer survivors, and digitally based PA interventions were commonly used. PA interventions mainly comprised aerobic and resistance training and were individualized. Overall, this review found various PA and diet interventions for AYA cancer survivors that were feasible and well-accepted, but gaps in knowledge and design still exist. Conclusions: This systematic review underscores the importance of conducting more research on diet interventions for YCS. Prospero registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#aboutregpag

Risk Analysis of Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear) in Children Pool Swimmers: A Case Study from Greece

Otitis is an ear inflammation characterized by an accumulation of polluted fluids in the ear, inflating the drum, causing ear pain, and draining the mucous membrane (pus) into the ear canal if the drum is perforated. Swimmer’s otitis, also known as acute external otitis, is a medical condition that frequently affects competitive swimmers. The risk factor analysis study was based on data obtained between May 2018 and May 2019 from four public swimming pools in Patras, Achaia. A checklist was created to evaluate the pools’ operational conditions, and it included information on the pools’ sanitation as well as swimming pool hygiene guidelines. In addition, a questionnaire was devised to collect data on pool swimmers’ use of the pools. Microbiological testing of the pool water was done ahead of time, and data on external otitis cases from hospitals was gathered. Based on this information, a risk factor analysis was conducted. Gender, weight, and age do not appear to have an impact on the number of otitis media cases that occur because of swimming in the pools. There is also no statistically significant link between episodes and the frequency of otitis events in locker rooms, restrooms, or swimming pools. The frequency with which swimmers utilize the pool, rather than the pool’s microbial burden, is the most significant determinant in otitis episodes. Furthermore, there is no statistically significant link between chlorine odor and otitis episodes. Additionally, several abnormalities in the ear or the child’s history do not appear to affect otitis episodes. More research is needed to determine whether infections are linked to microbial load or if other factors are responsible for the emergence of waterborne infections

Developmental outcomes in Italian young cancer survivors: The effect of lack of social support in physical activity practice on quality of life and mental health

Life expectancy among young cancer survivors has increased in the last decades. Unfortunately, young cancer survivors might still experience mental and physical issues due to cancer treatment. Moreover, although physical activity is a valid tool for increasing social support and reducing the risk of obesity, sedentary behaviour is very common among young cancer survivors. Therefore, the current pilot study aims to estimate lack of social support impact on physical activity practice on mental health and quality of life. A sample of 69 Italian young cancer survivors (60% females) were included in the study and physical activity, anxiety, depression and quality of life were assessed by self-reported questionnaires. The results showed that a lack of social support for exercising was connected to higher depressive symptoms, while no influence was detected on anxiety. Concerning quality of life, the analysis of variance model showed a significant effect of the lack of social support on physical mobility but not on self-care, usual activities, pain and discomfort and general health. In conclusion, integrating physical activity in young cancer survivors' lifestyle, considering cancer-related side effects, might enhance their mental health and quality of life by providing social support at the same time. Healthcare professionals should evaluate the feasibility and support adapted physical activity programmes for young cancer survivors, to reduce the risk of depression and obesity, among others

Interventions about physical activity and diet and their impact on adolescent and young adult cancer survivors : a Prisma systematic review

Purpose Over the past few decades, the incidence of cancer among adolescents and young adults (AYA) has been increasing. The impact of behaviors, such as physical activity (PA) and nutrition, on disease progression, prognosis, and overall health and quality of life for AYA cancer survivors is of significant importance. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PA and diet interventions for AYA cancer survivors and to critically evaluate existing literature, gaps, and limitations. Methods A search of literature was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar following the PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-two studies were included from online databases from 2012 to 2022, 13 of which were randomized controlled trials. Results Most interventions were related to PA, with only four studies including nutrition or Diet interventions. The interventions were generally feasible and acceptable to AYA cancer survivors, and digitally based PA interventions were commonly used. PA interventions mainly comprised aerobic and resistance training and were individualized. Overall, this review found various PA and diet interventions for AYA cancer survivors that were feasible and well-accepted, but gaps in knowledge and design still exist. Conclusions This systematic review underscores the importance of conducting more research on diet interventions for YCS