Engagement of young adult cancer survivors within a Facebook-based physical activity intervention

Few studies have examined how young adult cancer survivors use online social media. The objective of this study was to characterize Facebook engagement by young adult cancer survivors in the context of a physical activity (PA) intervention program. Young adult cancer survivors participated in one of two Facebook groups as part of a 12-week randomized trial of a PA intervention (FITNET) compared to a self-help comparison (SC) condition. A moderator actively prompted group discussions in the FITNET Facebook group, while social interaction was unprompted in the SC group. We examined factors related to engagement, differences in engagement by group format and types of Facebook posts, and the relationship between Facebook engagement and PA outcomes. There were no group differences in the number of Facebook comments posted over 12 weeks (FITNET, 153 vs. SC, 188 p = 0.85) or the proportion of participants that reported engaging within Facebook group discussions at least 1-2 days/week. The proportion of participants that made any posts decreased over time in both groups. SC participants were more likely than FITNET participants to agree that group discussions caused them to become physically active (p = 0.040) and that group members were supportive (p = 0.028). Participant-initiated posts elicited significantly more comments and likes than moderator-initiated posts. Responses posted on Facebook were significantly associated with light PA at 12 weeks (β = 11.77, t(85) = 1.996, p = 0.049) across groups. Engagement within Facebook groups was variable and may be associated with PA among young adult cancer survivors. Future research should explore how to promote sustained engagement in online social networks. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01349153

Preventing weight gain in African American breast cancer survivors using smart scales and activity trackers: a randomized controlled pilot study

This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of two 6-month, self-regulation interventions that focused on daily self-weighing (DSW), and used objective monitoring and tailored feedback about weight (±activity), to prevent weight gain among African American breast cancer survivors

A randomized trial of a Facebook-based physical activity intervention for young adult cancer survivors

Over half of young adult cancer survivors do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. PA interventions can enhance health and quality of life among young adult cancer survivors. However, few exercise interventions have been designed and tested in this population. This study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week, Facebook-based intervention (FITNET) aimed at increasing moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA compared to a Facebook-based self-help comparison (SC) condition

Exploring Mediators of Physical Activity in Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Evidence from a Randomized Trial of a Facebook-Based Physical Activity Intervention

Purpose: This study examined the effects of a physical activity (PA) intervention for young adult cancer survivors on changes in self-efficacy, social support, and self-monitoring and determined whether changes in these social cognitive theory constructs mediated the relationship between the intervention and changes in PA

Evaluating the Dissemination of Body & Soul, an Evidence-based Fruit and Vegetable Intake Intervention: Challenges for Dissemination and Implementation Research

To evaluate whether the evidence-based Body & Soul program, when disseminated and implemented without researcher or agency involvement and support, would achieve similar results to earlier efficacy and effectiveness trials

Physical Activity in Young Adults: A Signal Detection Analysis of Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2007 Data

Many young adults are insufficiently active to achieve the health benefits of regular physical activity (PA). We examined distinct subgroups of young adults (18–39y) that vary in their likelihood of not meeting PA recommendations using signal detection analysis of data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 2007. The sample was randomly split and signal detection analysis was conducted on the exploratory half to identify subgroups and interactions among sociodemographic and health communication variables that predicted engaging in <150 weekly minutes of moderate-intensity PA (low PA). Rates of low PA among subgroups were compared with similarly defined subgroups in the validation sample. Overall, 62% were not meeting PA recommendations. Among eight subgroups identified, low PA rates ranged from 31%-90%. Predictors of low PA were general health, BMI, perceived cancer risk, health-related Internet use, and trust in information sources. The least active subgroup (90% low PA) included young adults in poor to good health with a BMI≥30.8 (obese). The most active subgroup (31% low PA) comprised those in very good to excellent health, who used a website to help with diet, weight or PA, and had no to little trust in health information on television. Findings suggest potential intervention communication channels and can inform targeted PA interventions for young adults

Pilot weight control intervention among US veterans to promote diets high in fruits and vegetables

Obesity is a significant problem among US veterans. Diets high in fruits and vegetables (FV) can lower obesity risk. Health communication interventions are promising strategies for promoting healthy eating. We evaluated whether an enhanced intervention with tailored newsletters and motivational interviewing calls would be more effective than the Veterans Affairs (VA) weight management program, MOVE!, at increasing FV intake among overweight/obese veterans

Social Media Use for Cancer Support Among Young Adults with Cancer

Purpose: Social media can facilitate peer support among young adults with cancer; however, information is needed about what social media are used, by whom, and how to inform resource and intervention recommendations. Methods: In December 2021, we conducted an online survey with 396 young adults with cancer, ages 18–39, with any diagnosis ages 15–39. Participants reported their social media use to connect with other young adults with cancer, including frequency of use, type of support, and affect (positive to negative) when using to connect with cancer peers. Results: Participants were on average 31 years old (SD = 5.2), with an average age of 27 at diagnosis (63.4% male, 62.1% non-Hispanic White). Almost all (97.5%) reported using social media to connect with other young adults with cancer. Many (48.0%) used three or more social media platforms for cancer support, including Facebook (44.4%), YouTube (43.6%), Instagram (43.4%), Snapchat (36.9%), and Twitter (36.9%). Daily use for cancer support was common (32.9%–60.9%) among those who used social media, particularly among those who were younger; are not transgender; live in urban areas; or had brain, gynecologic, or testicular cancers. Across social media platforms, young adults with cancer reported seeking and sharing emotional support (88.9%), informational support (84.1%), and making connections (81.3%). Conclusion: Young adults with cancer use social media to connect with cancer peers for support. Commonly used existing social media (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, Instagram) should be prioritized in interventions to reach young adults who desire more age-appropriate resources to improve their psychosocial health

An Examination of Sociodemographic, Health, Psychological Factors, and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Overweight and Obese U.S. Veterans

A diet high in fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) is associated with decreased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. This study investigated the relationship between sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial factors and F&V consumption among overweight and obese U.S. veterans. Participants were recruited from two Veterans Affairs medical center sites in 2005. Two hundred eighty-nine participants completed a self-administered survey. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression models were built to examine the association between sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial variables and F&V consumption. Older age (B = 0.01; p < 0.001) and being Black (B = −0.18; p < 0.05) were related to increased F&V consumption. Reported tobacco use was inversely associated with F&V consumption (B = −0.30; p < 0.01). Greater self-efficacy (B = 0.07; p < 0.05), fewer perceived barriers (B = −0.14; p < 0.01), and correct knowledge of recommended daily F&V intake (B = 0.12; p < 0.05) were related to eating more F&Vs. U.S. veterans disproportionately experience overweight and obese conditions. Age, race, tobacco use, and psychosocial factors should be considered carefully when developing dietary interventions among overweight and obese U.S. veterans

Adult cancer survivorship care: experiences from the LIVESTRONG centers of excellence network

The objectives of this study were to characterize survivorship models of care across eight LIVESTRONG Survivorship Center of Excellence (COE) Network sites and to identify barriers and facilitators influencing survivorship care