Theory-based physical activity and/or nutrition behavior change interventions for cancer survivors: a systematic review

• Published in: Journal of cancer survivorship 2024-10, Vol.18 (5), p.1464-1480
• Main Authors: Rodrigues, Bruno, Carraça, Eliana V., Francisco, Beatriz B., Nobre, Inês, Cortez-Pinto, Helena, Santos, Inês
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavior; Behavior Therapy - methods; Body weight; Cancer; Cancer Survivors - psychology; Clinical trials; Diet; Exercise; Exercise - psychology; Health Behavior; Health Informatics; Health Promotion - methods; Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Humans; Intervention; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neoplasms - psychology; Neoplasms - rehabilitation; Neoplasms - therapy; Oncology; Physical activity; Primary Care Medicine; Public Health; Quality of Life Research; Review; Reviews; Systematic review
• ISSN: 1932-2259; 1932-2267; 1932-2267
• DOI: 10.1007/s11764-023-01390-5

Purpose Theory-based interventions aimed at promoting health behavior change in cancer survivors seem to be effective but remain scarce. More information on intervention features is also needed. This review aimed to synthesize the evidence from randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of theory-based interventions (and its features) on physical activity (PA) and/or diet behaviors in cancer survivors. Methods A systematic search in three databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science) identified studies that (i) targeted adult cancer survivors and (ii) included theory-based randomized controlled trials designed to influence PA, diet, or weight management. A qualitative synthesis of interventions’ effectiveness, extensiveness of theory use, and applied intervention techniques was conducted. Results Twenty-six studies were included. Socio-Cognitive Theory was the most used theory, showing promising results in PA-only trials and mixed findings in multiple-behavior interventions. Mixed findings were observed for interventions based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and Transtheoretical Model. Limited findings were found in diet-only interventions. A large variability in the extensiveness of theory use, and in intervention techniques was found. Further research is required to understand how and why these interventions offer promise for improving behavior. Conclusions Theory-based interventions seem to improve PA and diet behaviors in cancer survivors. Further studies, including thorough intervention descriptions, are needed to confirm these findings and identify the optimal features and content of lifestyle theory-based interventions for cancer survivors. Implications for Cancer Survivors This systematic review can contribute to the development of more effective interventions to promote long-term adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors.