Factors influencing adherence to healthy eating behaviors among adult colorectal cancer survivors: a systematic mixed method review.

Purpose: Under the umbrella of social cognitive theory, we examined the influences of personal, environmental, and behavioral factors on adherence to healthy eating behaviors among colorectal cancer survivors.

Methods: Based on Pluye and Hong's framework, a systematic mixed studies review was conducted. An extensive search strategy was applied in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO (from date of record to 2022 January 22). The pillar integration process was employed to integrate the extracted data. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to appraise the quality of all retained studies.

Results: Twenty-eight studies with a total sample size of 5106 were included in the analysis, with 15 quantitative studies, 12 qualitative studies, and 1 mixed method study. The critical appraisal showed that 22 of the 28 studies (79%) were rated with five stars, while 6 (21%) were rated with four stars. The personal factors influencing adherence to healthy eating behaviors among colorectal cancer survivors included outcome expectancies, self-efficacy, psychological factors, knowledge about healthy eating, demographic and disease characteristics, environmental factors incorporated outside information on healthy eating, power of surrounding people, social activities, cultural milieus, socioeconomic status, and education. The behavioral factors included self-regulation of diet, goals, and other behaviors closely related to healthy eating behaviors.

Conclusions: Adherence to healthy eating behaviors among colorectal cancer survivors was influenced collectively by personal factors, environmental factors and behavioral factors.