Recall, perceptions and determinants of receiving physical activity advice amongst cancer survivors: a mixed-methods survey

Orange, Samuel T.; Gilbert, Stephen E.; Brown, Morven C.; Saxton, John M.

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored cancer survivors’ views and experiences of receiving physical activity advice post-diagnosis. We also determined the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on the recall of physical activity advice and whether receiving advice was associated with meeting physical activity guidelines. Methods: An anonymised, mixed-methods, 27-item survey was distributed to cancer survivors via online cancer communities in the UK. Results: Of the 242 respondents, 52% recalled receiving physical activity advice. Of those who recalled receiving advice, only 30% received guidance on type of physical activity and 14% were referred to another source of information or exercise specialist. Advice was most often given after treatment cessation, with only 19% of respondents receiving advice during active treatment. Most respondents (56%) expressed a need for further information. There was no evidence of associations between sociodemographic characteristics and recall of physical activity advice. However, cancer survivors who perceived the physical activity advice they received as being appropriate (odds ratio [OR] 3.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.4–10.7) and those with a higher level of education (OR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.8–5.8) were more likely to meet aerobic exercise guidelines. Females were less likely to meet resistance exercise guidelines than males (OR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21–0.90). Conclusion: There is scope to improve the provision of physical activity advice in cancer care by providing advice in a timely manner after diagnosis, referring patients to a suitable exercise or rehabilitation specialist when indicated, and using a tailored approach to ensure the advice is appropriate for specific sociodemographic groups.

Citation

Orange, S. T., Gilbert, S. E., Brown, M. C., & Saxton, J. M. (2021). Recall, perceptions and determinants of receiving physical activity advice amongst cancer survivors: a mixed-methods survey. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 29(11), 6369-6378. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06221-w

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 11, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Apr 22, 2021
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Aug 30, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 1, 2023
• Journal: Supportive Care in Cancer
• Print ISSN: 0941-4355
• Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 6369-6378
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06221-w
• Keywords: Physical activity advice; Cancer survivors; Mixed-methods survey
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4372092