Eleventh International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Cancer and cancer treatment impacts cancer survivors’ nutritional status and quality of life. Physical activity improves nutritional status and quality of life of cancer survivors. Rural cancer survivors are less physically active than their urban counterparts and more at risk for nutritional deficiencies and poorer quality of life.The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between nutritional status and quality of life of physically active rural cancer survivors. Adults 18 years of age and older were eligible if diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colo-rectal cancer 12 months or more prior to study participation, and completed cancer treatment. Fifteen individuals who reported engaging in three or more days of moderate or vigorous exercise during the past 7 days were considered physically active and completed study assessments. Phase Angle was measured with the InBody 770 bioelectrical impedance analyzer as a marker of nutritional status. Quality of Life was measured with the Short Form 36-Item Health Survey SF-36 (v2). Positive correlations were found between SF-36 physical functioning and Phase Angle Whole Body, right arm, left arm, right leg, and left leg. Phase Angle right arm and left arm were positively correlated with SF-36 vitality, social functioning, and general health. Phase Angle Whole Body was positively correlated with SF-36 general health. Phase Angle trunk was positively correlated with SF-36 vitality. BIA Phase Angle is positively correlated with psychological assessments of physical functioning of cancer survivors. Therefore, phase angle could be used as indicators of nutritional status and quality of life.