Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) use and association of self-efficacy with health behaviors and quality of life among survivors of sarcoma

Background Self-efficacy has been associated with higher quality of life (QOL) in cancer survivors. In this study, we assessed whether complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) utilization, health behaviors, and QOL are associated with self-efficacy among sarcoma survivors.Methods Adults who received treatment for soft tissue sarcoma in the past 10 years were identified and sent an anonymous survey comprised of a questionnaire to assess health behaviors and CIM use, the Cancer Behavior Index-Brief to assess self-efficacy, and PROMIS surveys to measure QOL. We assessed associations between self-efficacy and health behaviors, CAM use, and QOL.Results 55 subjects out of 182 (30.2%) responded. Median age at treatment was 57 years, with a median of six years from primary treatment; 87% of patients had been treated with radiation and 47% with chemotherapy. The median self-efficacy score was 92 (of possible 108). PROMIS T-scores were similar to the general population. Self-efficacy was correlated with anxiety, depression, fatigue, and the ability to participate. CIM utilization was not correlated with QOL or self-efficacy.Conclusions Among sarcoma survivors, self-efficacy is associated with QOL. CIM utilization is not associated with self-efficacy or with QOL. Further research is needed to learn how to best empower patients to help improve with QOL and experiences after cancer treatment.