Healthy lifestyle interventions for childhood and adolescent cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of healthy lifestyle interventions (HLSIs) on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CACS).Methods: Major databases were searched for English-language original articles published between January 1, 2000 and May 2, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were included. Quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.Results: Nineteen studies were included. Significant effects on HR-QoL were found for interventions using a multi-modal approach (exercise and education) (d=-0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]=-0.84 to -0.07, <i>p</i>=.02), lasting not less than 6 months (d=-0.72; 95% CI=-1.15 to -0.29, <i>p</i>=.0010), and using a group approach (d=-0.46; 95% CI=-0.85 to -0.06, <i>p</i>=.02). Self-efficacy showed significant effects when HLSIs provided health education only (d=-0.55; 95% CI=-0.92 to -0.18; <i>p</i>=.003), lasted for less than 6 months (d=-0.40; 95% CI=-0.69 to -0.11, <i>p</i>=.006), and were conducted individually (d=-0.55; 95% CI=-0.92 to -0.18, <i>p</i>=.003). The physical outcomes (physical activity, fatigue, exercise capacity-VO2, exercise capacity-upper body, body mass index) revealed no statistical significance.Conclusion: Areas of HLSIs for CACS requiring further study were identified, and needs and directions of research for holistic health management were suggested.