The Association of Social Support and Leisure Time Physical Activity With Mental Health Among Individuals With Cancer

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the relationship among social support, leisure time physical activity (LTPA), and mental health among people with cancer. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting and participants: Using the 2017 Health Information National Trends Survey, we extracted data of 504 respondents who had been diagnosed with any of the 22 types of cancer listed in the survey questionnaire. Measures: As independent variables, we assessed 3 different types of support: emotional, informational, and tangible support. As mediating and outcome variables, we measured LTPA and mental health, respectively. Analysis: Using AMOS version 22, a path analysis was conducted to measure model fit. A mediation test was then conducted using bootstrapping procedures. Results: The hypothesized model provided an acceptable fit to the data. Specifically, emotional support ( b = .15, p = .005), informational support ( b = .13, p = .008), tangible support ( b = .12, p = .010), and LTPA ( b = .14, p = .001) were significantly associated with mental health. We revealed a significant mediating effect of LPTA on the relationship between emotional support and mental health (Estimate = .037, 95% CI = .001–.098, p < .05). Conclusion: Social support and LTPA played a significant role in promoting mental health among people with cancer. In particular, the results confirmed that individuals with cancer who reported receiving emotional support tended to engage in LTPA and thus reported better mental health.