Predictors of attendance during an exercise program for cancer survivors

Purpose Exercise programs delivered in community- or clinic-based settings improve physical and psychosocial outcomes among cancer survivors; however, adherence is essential to achieve such benefits. This study examined predictors of attendance to an exercise program in a large, diverse sample of cancer survivors. Methods Participants (n = 302) were enrolled in BfitBwell, an exercise program for adults diagnosed with cancer, and currently receiving or within 6 months of completing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Participants were offered two supervised aerobic and resistance exercise sessions per week for 3 months. Predictors of attendance included demographics, cancer-related information, quality of life (QOL), fatigue, physical fitness, activity level, and importance of making various changes (e.g., improving fitness). Univariate linear regression first explored associations between predictor variables and adherence, and any important variables (p < .10) were included in a multivariate linear regression model. Results Participants were M = 54.9 +/- 13.9 years old, mostly female (67.3%), white (83.6%), and most commonly diagnosed with breast cancer (34.8%). Average attendance was 16.2 +/- 6.6 exercise sessions. Six-minute walk test distance, QOL, and fatigue were associated with exercise session attendance (p < .05). The multivariable model revealed that higher QOL predicted higher attendance (beta = .351, p = .005), and working full- or part-time significantly predicted lower attendance (beta =- .221, p =.021). Conclusions Higher pre-program QOL and not working full- or part-time predicted higher exercise program attendance. Existing and future exercise programs for cancer survivors should consider ways to adapt program delivery to provide support to survivors who start with low QOL, and accommodate those who may face barriers to attending due to work schedule/conflict.

Automated summary

This study examined predictors of attendance to an exercise program for cancer survivors, finding that higher quality of life and not working full-time predicted higher attendance. It suggests that exercise programs should adapt delivery to support survivors with low quality of life and accommodate those facing work schedule conflicts.