Highlights
- •Adolescent survivors of cancer engage in physical activity less than peers.
- •They engage in healthy diet and HPV vaccination less than peers.
- •They engage in substance use behaviors and unprotected sex less than peers.
- •Their health behaviors are associated with various psychosocial factors.
Abstract
Problem
Adolescent survivors of cancer face an increased risk of chronic health conditions
that can be improved by healthy behaviors. The purpose of this review is to synthesize
the extent/prevalence of health behaviors (physical activity [PA], diet, human papillomavirus
[HPV] vaccination, alcohol use, smoking, marijuana use, and unprotected sex) compared
to age-matched peers and factors associated with those behaviors.
Eligibility criteria
Four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) were searched for peer-reviewed
primary studies published since 2000 including adolescents aged 11–20 years-old, who
had completed cancer treatments. Studies reporting at least one behavior were included.
Sample
Of 1979 articles reviewed, 27 studies reporting any of the following health behaviors
were included: PA, diet, HPV vaccination, alcohol use, smoking, marijuana use, or
unprotected sex.
Results
Adolescent survivors of cancer engaged less in health risk behaviors (alcohol use,
smoking, marijuana use, and unprotected sex) or health-promoting behaviors (PA, healthy
diet, and HPV vaccination) compared to age-matched peers. Their health behaviors were
associated with psychosocial factors including emotional discomfort (e.g., feeling
depressed or nervous) and influence of others (family, friends, and healthcare providers).
Conclusions
Although health risk behaviors in adolescent survivors of cancer are not as prevalent
as in their peers, the survivors' low engagement in health-promoting behaviors including
PA, diet, and HPV vaccination is concerning.
Implications
More research is needed to develop and evaluate interventions to improve health-promoting
behaviors in adolescent survivors of cancer by strengthening or facilitating psychosocial
resources.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 30, 2022
Accepted:
May 4,
2022
Received in revised form:
May 4,
2022
Received:
September 28,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
