Physical activity-related differences in body mass index and patient-reported quality of life in socioculturally diverse endometrial cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe physical activity-related differences in body composition, quality of life, and behavioral variables among a socioculturally diverse sample of endometrial cancer survivors.

Methods

Ambulatory, English-speaking endometrial cancer survivors (6 months to 5 years post-treatment), who were residents of Bronx, NY, were recruited to complete questionnaires about physical activity (PA), quality of life (QoL), and psychosocial characteristics. Body weight and height were obtained from medical records to determine body mass index (BMI). ANOVA and independent sample t tests were used to determine differences between racial/ethnic groups and active versus insufficiently active, respectively.

Results

Sixty-two participants enrolled in the study. Recruitment rate was 7% for mailed questionnaires and 92% in clinic. Mean age was 63 ± 10 years. Sixty-five percent of the sample was obese (mean BMI: 34.2 ± 8.6 kg·m⁻²). BMI was significantly higher in non-Hispanic black women (37.8 ± 10.2 kg·m⁻²) than non-Hispanic white women (31.2 ± 7.8 kg·m⁻²; d = 0.73, p = 0.05). Forty-seven percent reported being physically active, with no differences by race/ethnicity. Physically active endometrial cancer survivors had higher QoL scores (d = 0.57, p = 0.02). There was a moderate effect size for BMI for the active (32.4 ± 5.6 kg·m⁻²) compared to the insufficiently active group (35.7 ± 10.2 kg·m⁻²; d = 0.40, p = 0.06). Walking self-efficacy was a significant predictor of physical activity (χ² = 13.5, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Physically active endometrial cancer survivors reported higher QoL, lower BMI, and more positive walking self-efficacy. These data suggest that a physically active lifestyle has a benefit in socioculturally diverse endometrial cancer survivors.

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