Sedentary time transitions and associations with quality of life in cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background

Patterns in sedentary time (SED) and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to 1) compare total and domain-specific SED before and during the pandemic; and 2) examine its association with QoL in a global sample of cancer survivors.

Methods

In an online survey, cancer survivors retrospectively self-reported domain-specific SED (e.g. transportation, television) before and during the pandemic via the Domain-Specific Sitting Time Questionnaire. QoL was assessed via the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-General and FACT-Fatigue. Paired t-tests compared daily SED before and during the pandemic. Analysis of covariance compared QoL among: those who remained high (>8 h/day), remained low (<8 h/day), increased (<8 h/day to >8 h/day), or decreased (>8 h/day to <8 h/day) daily SED.

Results

Among cancer survivors (N = 477, M_age=48.5 ± 15.4), 60.8% reported that their SED remained high, 19.7% remained low, 7.5% increased SED, and 11.9% decreased SED. Computer and television screen time significantly increased (p’s<.001), while SED during transportation significantly decreased (p<.001). Sub-group analyses revealed that those who reduced SED who were normal or underweight (p=.042) or were meeting physical activity guidelines (p=.031) had significantly less fatigue than those who increased or remained high in SED, respectively. Those who remained high in SED with <3 comorbidities (p’s =.005) had significantly better social well-being than those who increased SED.

Conclusions

As we transition to a post-pandemic era, behavioral strategies for cancer survivors should focus on reducing screen time to improve QoL and fatigue.

Keywords:

• Cancer
• cancer survivorship
• COVID-19
• pandemic
• physical activity
• quality of life
• sedentary behaviours

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the University of Toronto COVID-19 Student Engagement Award.