Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although the survival rate has increased among women with breast cancer, many women experience psychological sequelae, including stress, which affects their quality of life. Healthy lifestyle behaviors are essential for reducing stress in breast cancer survivors and minimizing long-term treatment complications. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the temporal relationships among health-promoting lifestyle behaviors (HPLBs) and perceived stress in women with early-stage breast cancer. DESIGN: This research was a secondary analysis of a longitudinal biobehavioral study of women with early-stage breast cancer funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research. METHODS: This study included a sample of 73 participants. Measures of the study were evaluated at five-time points beginning just before the initiation of chemotherapy until 24 months from the first chemotherapy treatment. General linear mixed models and regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: Study results showed an inverse association among the health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP) with perceived stress (p = <0.0001). The health-promoting lifestyle subscales with the highest means were interpersonal relationships and spiritual growth. In addition, the results demonstrated changes in perceived stress levels from baseline assessment until 24 months from the initial chemotherapy treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that HPLBs, selected demographics, and clinical factors have a role in the perception of stress among women with early-stage breast cancer. Future studies, with larger samples, are needed to confirm these findings.