UI Proc. Health Med. Vol. 3 International Nursing Student Symposium and Festival 2017 83 Health Behaviors of Family members of Patients with Cancer Nurlita Dwi Hikmatia 1* , Anggri Noorana Zahra 2 1. Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Jl. Prof. Dr. Bahder Djohan, Depok, Jawa Barat, 16424, Indonesia 2. Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Jawa Barat, 16424, Indonesia *E-mail: nurlita.dwi@ui.ac.id Abstract Objective: This study aimed to determine the health behaviors of family members of patients with cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from 100 respondents (age, 18−75 years) at the RSPAD Gatot Soebroto surgical clinic using a questionnaire survey. The respondents were identified through consecutive sampling technique to collect data regarding the health behaviors of the family members of patients with cancer. Results: The results of univariate analysis showed increased dietary behavior, decreased moderate physical activity, and good smoking cessation. Conclusion: The family members of patients with cancer exhibit good dietary behavior and smoking cessation. However, the decrease in physical activities of family members of patients with cancer after the diagnosis of cancer was not significant. Keywords: cancer; dietary behavior; physical activity; smoking behavior Introduction Cancer has varied effects both on the patients and their family members. In addition to exhibiting high mortality, cancer also changes the health behavior of family members of patients with cancer. Several studies have discussed changes in health behaviors occurring in the family members of patients with cancer. This study focused on smoking behavior, physical activity, and dietary behavior of family members before and after knowing that a family member was diagnosed with cancer. This was supported by varied changes in health behaviors reported among Indonesians. Family members are greatly affected by the cancer diagnosis of another family member, as they have a high risk of getting the same cancer. Individual health can affect the overall functioning of the family 1 . This was supported by a study that demonstrated that family members of patients with breast cancer have a considerable risk of acquiring the same cancer 2 . Therefore, the family members of patients with cancer tend to undergo significant changes, especially related to lifestyle. Several studies have addressed changes in families living with patients with cancer and showed a 24% increase in physical activity, significant dietary changes, and positive health behaviors in sisters (40%) during the first 6 months of diagnosing cancer 2 . In addition, there was a significant increase in the intention and confidence in performing dietary and physical activities for 30 min daily and increased awareness regarding cancer health, prevention, and early detection 3 . However, other studies showed that many family members, especially women with cancer risk, have an unhealthy lifestyle, especially regarding the consumption of vegetables and fruits 2 . In Indonesia, the rate of high-risk health behavior is still high. Such behaviors include smoking (29.3%), sedentary behavior (42.0%), less physical activity (26.1%), and less vegetables and fruit consumption (93.5%). In addition, 53.1% of individuals consumed sweet foods/beverages; 40.7% consumed fatty, cholesterol-rich, and fried foods; and 77.3% consumed flavor enhancers 4 . Such behaviors can increase the risk of cancer. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 100 respondents (age, 18–75 years) at the RSPAD Gatot Soebroto surgical clinic. They were identified through consecutive sampling technique. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information on the health behaviors of the family members of patients with cancer. The questionnaire comprised 19 questions that generally described the current family health status (six questions), stress level