The contribution of general and cancer‐related variables in explaining physical activity in a breast cancer population 3 weeks to 6 months post‐treatment. Issue 1 (5th October 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charlier, Caroline; Van Hoof, Elke; Pauwels, Evelyn; Lechner, Lilian; Spittaels, Heleen; De Bourdeaudhuij, Ilse
• Is Part Of: Psycho-oncology. Volume 22:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: 203
• Page End: 211
• Publication Date: 2011-10-05
• Subjects: Cancer -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- psychology -- Periodicals; 616.9940019
• DOI: 10.1002/pon.2079
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-9249

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="pon2079-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="pon2079-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="pon2079-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="pon2079-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>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 © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.</p> </sec> </abstract>