Journal
PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY
Volume 22, Issue 1, Pages 203-211Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1002/pon.2079
Keywords
Cancer; oncology; survivorship; physical activity; exercise; determinants
Funding
- 'Kom op tegen Kanker', campaign of the Flemish League against Cancer
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Objective Physical activity determinants are subject to change when confronted with the diagnosis of cancer and new cancer-related determinants appear. The aim of the present study is to compare the contribution of cancer-related determinants with more general ones in explaining physical activity 3?weeks to 6?months post-treatment. Methods A theory-based and validated questionnaire was used to identify physical activity levels (total and domain-specific) and associated determinants among 464 breast cancer survivors (aged 18 to 65?years) 3 weeks to 6?months post-treatment. Results Descriptive analyses showed higher scores for general determinants in comparison with cancer-related determinants. Nevertheless, regression analyses showed that both general and cancer-related determinants explained total and domain-specific physical activity. Self-efficacy, enjoyment, social support, lack of time and lack of company were important general determinants. The perception of returning to normal life, cancer-related barriers (fatigue, lack of energy and physical side effects) and self-efficacy in overcoming these barriers were important cancer-related determinants. Although results differed according to the women's working status and the physical activity domain, general self-efficacy explained most physical activity types in both groups. Conclusion Comparable with the general population, enhancing breast cancer survivors' self-efficacy in being sufficiently physically active seems to be important in physical activity interventions post-treatment. However, interventions should be tailored to the experienced symptoms and working status of the women. Copyright (c) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available