Participation in and satisfaction with a community-based physical activity program among Hispanic cancer survivors

Authors: RABER, MARGARET - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC); LIAO, YUE - University Of Texas At Arlington; MITCHELL, STACY - Md Anderson Cancer Center; MONTOYA, GISSELL - Md Anderson Cancer Center; VAZQUEZ, MARIA - Md Anderson Cancer Center; GATUS, LETICIA - University Of Texas Health Science Center

Submitted to: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/2/2023
Publication Date: 4/20/2023
Citation: Raber, M., Liao, Y., Mitchell, S., Montoya, G., Vazquez, M., Gatus, L.A. 2023. Participation in and satisfaction with a community-based physical activity program among Hispanic cancer survivors. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-023-01483-4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-023-01483-4

Interpretive Summary: Physical activity can improve quality of life among cancer survivors and decrease the risk of reoccurrence of breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. However, Hispanic survivors participate in comprehensive survivorship programs at a lower rate than non-Hispanic whites. This study explored the experience of Hispanic cancer survivors participating in Active Living After Cancer (ALAC), a community-based physical activity program. We analyzed participation and satisfaction data from 250 participants who completed the program (55% Hispanic). There were no differences in attendance by race/ethnicity; however, Hispanic participants reported significantly higher overall satisfaction ratings than non-Hispanic White participants (4.93 vs 4.65 on a 5-point scale). Our findings demonstrate that ALAC may be an appealing way to promote physical activity among Hispanic cancer survivors, and supports expansion of ALAC to more Hispanic communities throughout Texas and nationwide.

Technical Abstract: The objective of this study was to explore the experience of Hispanic cancer survivors participating in Active Living After Cancer (ALAC), a community-based physical activity program. We analyzed participation and satisfaction data from 250 participants who completed the program from 2017 to 2020 (55% Hispanic, 28% Black, 14% non-Hispanic White). Using a hybrid coding approach, open-text survey comments responses from Hispanic participants (n=138) were qualitatively analyzed and key themes developed to better contextualize the quantitative results. Quantitative analysis revealed that Hispanic participants attended an average of 9.44 out of 12 sessions. There were no differences in attendance by race/ethnicity; however, Hispanic participants reported significantly higher overall satisfaction ratings than non-Hispanic White participants (4.93 vs 4.65 on a 5-point scale). Open-ended comments indicated that Hispanic ALAC participants experience collective efficacy, self-efficacy, and self-regulation, through observational learning enabled by program facilitation. The ALAC program is highly acceptable and relevant to Hispanic cancer survivors and will inform the continued expansion of other community-based survivorship programs for Hispanic communities throughout Texas.