Factors Influencing Health Promotion Lifestyle in Female Breast Cancer Survivors: The Role of Health Behavior Self-Efficacy and Associated Factors

Abstract

Objectives

To examine the factors influencing health-promoting lifestyles and the changes in health behavior self-efficacy and health-promoting lifestyles among female breast cancer survivors over a 6-month period.

Methods

A longitudinal design with purposive sampling was deployed. Data collection occurred at the baseline (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3). In total, 53 breast cancer survivors agreed to participate. All participants completed the first two rounds of data collection, 49 participants completed data collection at the 6-month mark (T3). The Chinese versions of the Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale (SRAHP) and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) were used.

Results

Health behavior self-efficacy and health-promoting lifestyle scores increased over time. Age, impaired cardiac function, those taking a career break, psychological well-being, and responsible health practice in self-efficacy for health behaviors were significant predictors of health-promoting lifestyle.

Conclusions

Younger breast cancer survivors, those taking a career break, and those with poor health behavior self-efficacy were less likely to engage in a health-promoting lifestyle and may require guidance in improving overall health behaviors.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Healthcare providers should not only be aware of the suboptimal health promotion lifestyle in breast cancer survivors but also focus on enhancing health behavior self-efficacy. This is particularly crucial for younger breast cancer survivors or those currently unemployed.