Impact of a Nutrition and Yoga Intervention in Breast Cancer Suvivors' Quality of Life

Authors

Tammy C. FogartyFollow

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Major/Program

Dietetics and Nutrition

First Advisor's Name

Fatma Huffman, PhD

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Catherine Coccia, PhD

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Third Advisor's Name

Juan Luizzi, PhD

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Fourth Advisor's Name

Tan Li, Phd

Fourth Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Keywords

breast cancer survivor, breast cancer, nutrition intervention, yoga intervention, nutrition, yoga

Date of Defense

6-22-2018

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine if a nutrition and yoga intervention will improve quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Using the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping as a guide to lead the intervention, the intervention assessed potential barriers, self-efficacy, diet quality, and physical activity as it relates to quality of life. Twenty-seven women were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to the control or intervention group. The intervention consisted of 6-weeks of yoga classes and 6-weeks of online nutrition education. The control group received a nutrition consultation and nutrition guidelines from the American Cancer Society. Measurement of variables was conducted at baseline, post-intervention (6 weeks), and follow-up (12 weeks). One-way repeated measures ANOVA, paired samples t-test, and post hoc analysis with Bonferroni adjustment was used to analyze the data. Mediation analysis with regression was performed to demonstrate the effect the intervention had on quality of life. The intervention elicited a statistically significant difference in the Total Outcome Index quality of life score from baseline to post-intervention (P < .005) and from baseline to follow-up (P < .005) in the intervention group. The frequency of how often fruits and vegetables were consumed was significant between time points, (P < .05), but not between the control and intervention group, P = .538. The amount of fruit and vegetables consumed each time was statistically significant for the intervention group from baseline to post-intervention (P < .05) however there was no significant difference from baseline to follow-up (P = .067). There was no difference between the control and intervention group, (P = .216). There was a statistically significant difference for physical activity for time (P P = .166) however the intervention group has a statistically significant difference between baseline and post-intervention (PP = .082). We cannot confidently predict that participant’s quality of life scores are determined by group with the help of mediators after conducting a mediation analysis with regression. A six-week nutrition and yoga intervention in BCS elicited significant changes in QoL in BCS. Even though the results did not show significant changes between the control and intervention group there were significant changes within the intervention group from baseline to post-intervention and baseline to follow-up which may indicate a 6-week online nutrition education program coupled with a 6-week yoga intervention an effective tool to improve QoL in BCS.

Identifier

FIDC006869

Recommended Citation

Fogarty, Tammy C., "Impact of a Nutrition and Yoga Intervention in Breast Cancer Suvivors' Quality of Life" (2018). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3766.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3766