Health Care Access and Health Behavior Quality of Life among Hispanic/Latino-American Cancer Survivors

The aim of this study was to examine whether physical and mental healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL) of Hispanic/Latino-American cancer survivors differed based on age, sex, income, health behaviors (current exercise, current smoking, recent alcohol use, and recent binge drinking), and access to health care (health care coverage, have a doctor/primary care provider, and physical checkup in last 12 months). A secondary analysis of the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey was performed among Hispanic/Latino-American adults (N = 1642). Those reporting the highest physical and mental HRQoL were female, age 65 years or older, who practiced healthy behaviors, had access to health care, and an income of $20,000 or greater. Having health care access positively impacted physical HRQoL but did not impact mental HRQoL. The findings of this study can be used by community health professionals working with the cancer survivorship population. Oncology and primary care physicians may apply information to deliver high quality care specific to the needs of Hispanic/Latino-American cancer survivors. Researchers may use this information to develop evidence-based interventions specific to the needs of the Hispanic/Latino American cancer survivorship population.