title: Cross-sectional survey of the health behaviour of southeast Queensland women with cancer-treatment induced menopause: implications for cancer and primary care nurses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Women who experience cancer treatment-induced menopause are at risk of long-term chronic morbidity. This risk can be prevented or offset with adherence to health promotion and risk reduction guidelines. The purpose of this study was to explore health behaviours in younger female survivors of cancer and the variables (quality of life and psychological distress) believed to moderate health behaviours.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of women (n=85) in southeast Queensland.
  
  
  METHODS
  Health behaviour and health status were elicited with items from the Australian Health Survey and the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System. The WHO Quality of Life (Brief) measured participants' self-reported quality of life and their satisfaction with their health. The Brief Symptom Inventory-18 measured psychological distress.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Higher self-reported health status was associated with regular exercise and better quality of life. However, a substantial proportion of participants did not engage in the physical activity, dietary or cervical screening practices recommended by Australian guidelines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The participants require education regarding the benefits of diet, exercise, weight loss and decreased alcohol intake, as well as information on future health risks and possible comorbidities. These education sessions could be addressed by a nurse-led health promotion model of care at the time of discharge or in the community.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. al.mccarthy@qut.edu.au
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: McCarthy
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yates
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: R Z
authors.initials: RZ
authors.lastname: Shaban
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D059017:Primary Care Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011793:Queensland; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents