A Qualitative Study Exploring the Perceptions of Sedentary Behavior in Prostate Cancer Survivors Receiving Androgen-Deprivation Therapy

Associations of role, area deprivation index, and race with health behaviors and body mass index among localized prostate cancer patients and their partners

PURPOSE

To examine the associations of role (localized prostate cancer (PCa) patient vs. their intimate partner), area deprivation index (ADI-higher scores indicating higher neighborhood deprivation levels), and race (Black/African American (AA) vs. White) with health behaviors and body mass index (BMI) among PCa patients and partners. The behaviors include smoking, alcohol consumption, diet quality, sedentary behaviors, and physical activity (PA).

METHODS

This study used the baseline data collected in a clinical trial. Given the nested structure of the dyadic data, multi-level models were used.

RESULTS

Significant role-race interaction effects on smoking, ADI-race effects on alcohol consumption, and role-ADI effects on BMI were found. Meanwhile, patients smoked more cigarettes, decreased alcohol consumption, had less healthful diets, spent longer time watching TV, did fewer sedentary hobbies, had more confidence in PA, and had higher BMIs than their partners. High ADI was independently associated with lower odds of drinking alcohol, using computer/Internet, and doing non-walking PA, and higher BMI compared to low ADI controlling for role and race. Black/AA dyads had less smoking amount and alcohol consumption and higher sedentary time and BMI than White dyads when adjusted for role and ADI.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified significant interaction and main effects of role, ADI, or race on health behaviors and BMI.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Future behavioral interventions should address divergent individual needs between patients and partners, social and neighborhood barriers, and cultural indicators of racial groups to promote healthful behaviors and improve the quality of survivorship for PCa patients and partners.

Exploring sedentary behavior during neo- or adjuvant treatment in patients with cancer: A phenomenological study

PURPOSE

Increased sedentary behavior during cancer treatment is common, which may have negative long-term health effects. Understanding patients' experience of sedentary behavior during neo- or adjuvant cancer treatment may be crucial in developing effective support for patients to reduce sedentary behavior. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore sedentary behavior in patients undergoing neo- or adjuvant cancer treatment.

METHODS

Eleven interviews were conducted with patients undergoing treatment for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Participants were recruited from a university hospital in Sweden. Interviews were analyzed phenomenologically, and the results were presented as descriptions of the phenomenon sedentary behavior.

RESULTS

The overarching theme of sedentary behavior during cancer treatment was that sedentary behavior is experienced through being physically active or not. Furthermore, experiences of sedentary behavior increased with side effects and varied depending on the type and phase of cancer treatment, meaning that sedentary behavior is an adjustment to side effects. Additionally, sedentary behavior was influenced by life circumstances and social interaction, such as work status and having social support. Finally, sedentary behavior is influenced by strategies and motivations, such as the perceived benefits of physical activity and self-image.

CONCLUSIONS

Sedentary behavior is difficult for patients to discern, which is why health care personnel may need to help patients by increasing awareness of the negative impact of sedentary behavior in a way that does not stigmatize patients. Furthermore, developing support that targets periods with more side effects and helping patients reduce sedentary behavior throughout changing life circumstances may be helpful.

The Quiet Epidemic: An Overview of Emerging Qualitative Research Trends on Sedentary Behavior in Aging Populations

Sedentary behavior poses a significant health risk to older adults. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize key findings from qualitative research (since 2012), with a focus on explaining prevailing research trends and patterns within the field. This review included 25 studies that met the strict inclusion criteria. Five key research themes have emerged: (1) defining and shaping perspectives of sedentary behavior, (2) understanding the dynamics of daily routines and contexts, (3) raising awareness of older adults' perceived advantages and disadvantages of sedentary behavior, (4) identifying its determinants and discouraging factors, and (5) exploring interventions to promote active behaviors and reduce sedentary behavior. These themes highlight the multifaceted nature of SB and underscore the importance of tailoring interventions to address individual, social, and environmental issues. A comprehensive understanding of SB is critical to developing effective strategies to promote active lifestyles and reduce SB in older adults. Further qualitative research is needed to deepen our understanding and develop targeted interventions and strategies.

An Evaluation of Interactive mHealth Applications for Adults Living with Cancer

This study evaluated the quality and usefulness of interactive mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) for adults with cancer. The PRISMA guidelines were followed to add rigor to the search, as well as to the data collection and analysis. The apps available in the most used app stores (Google Play and Apple) with interactive tailored features were identified. To supplement this, a Google web search was also conducted. The apps were evaluated for their quality using the validated Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and for their usefulness using a checklist of end users' desired features derived from the literature. The searches returned 3046 apps and 17 were retained for evaluation. The average quality score of the apps across the sample was 3.62/5 (SD 0.26, range: 3.14-4.06), with Outcomes4me scoring the highest. On average, the apps scored 50% (SD 2.5, range: 31-88%) on the usefulness checklist, with Cancer.net scoring the highest. The lowest-scoring categories were communications features on the usefulness checklist and "information" on the MARS, indicating areas for future work. The findings identified the apps of an acceptable quality and usefulness that could be recommended to those with cancer.

Development, usability and quality evaluation of the resilient mobile application for women with breast cancer

Introduction

Mental health problems as a consequence of cancer lower the quality of life of cancer patients. Despite increasing studies of breast cancer-focused mobile health applications (m-Health apps), there is less research on breast cancer patients' quality of life or well-being. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate the usability and quality of an educational m-Health app aimed at improving the resilience of breast cancer in women.

Methods

This study was conducted in four phases. It included extracting the requirements of the app through the nominal group technique. Based on these results, an m-Health app was developed and evaluated in terms of usability and quality by two scales, System Usability Scale and Mobile App Rating Scale questionnaires, respectively. Finally, the role of patients' age and educational backgrounds in the use of the app was assessed. The relationship between learnability and usability of the app was measured by the T-Test.

Results

The app was developed with three user interfaces. Its usability developed from the patient's point of view scored a remarkable score of 83.20 with a 95% confidence interval. This value was too indicative of high satisfaction with the usefulness and the possibility of recommending it to other cancer survivors. The results of the quality evaluation from an expert's point of view showed that this app had good functionality. Evaluation of the role of demographic information in the use of the app showed that it can be used for all age groups with different levels of education. The app did not differ significantly between learnability and usability.

Conclusion

The development of m-Health apps, based on usability principles that are suitable for all age groups with different levels of education, is welcomed by cancer patients.

A distance-based, randomized controlled trial for reducing sedentary behavior among prostate cancer survivors: a study protocol

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer survivors (PCS) experience long-term side effects beyond treatment such as fatigue, depression and anxiety. Quality and engaging supportive care programs are needed to reduce these chronic and debilitating effects. Independent of physical activity (PA), high volumes of sedentary behavior (SB) are associated with chronic disease-related risk factors and poorer cancer-specific quality of life (QoL). Simultaneously increasing PA and decreasing SB may be an effective health promotion strategy. Given that PCS may face several barriers to engaging in supervised programs, there is a need to develop and assess the efficacy of interventions that employ distance-based approaches for behavior change. The primary aim of this study is to determine the effects of a 12-week intervention (Fitbit + behavioral counselling) vs. Fitbit-only control group in reducing SB among PCS. Secondary outcomes include light-intensity PA, QoL, motivational outcomes, and patient satisfaction.

METHODS

This two-armed, randomized controlled trial will recruit inactive PCS (stage I-IV) across Canada who self-report engaging in >8 hours/day of SB. Participants will be randomized to the intervention (n=60; Fitbit and behavioral support) or active control group (n=60; Fitbit-only). The intervention consists of the use of a Fitbit and a series of six behavioral support sessions (two group, four individual) to aid PCS in gradually replacing SB with light-intensity PA by increasing their daily step counts to 3,000 steps above their baseline values. The Fitbit-only control condition will receive a Fitbit and public health PA resources. The primary outcome is change in SB measured objectively using activPAL inclinometers. All secondary outcomes will be measured via self-report, except for PA which will be measuring using Fitbits. Data will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at 6-month post-intervention.

DISCUSSION

Reducing SB and increasing light-intensity PA plays an important, yet often undervalued role in the health and well-being of PCS. This study will create a unique distance-based platform that can be used by clinical and community-based organizations as a low-cost, supportive care tool to improve health outcomes for PCS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05214937 . Registered January 28, 2022 Protocol version: v.1.

Barriers and facilitators related to undertaking physical activities among men with prostate cancer: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PC) and its treatments lead to significant acute, chronic, or latent adverse effects that result in declines in patients' physical functions, quality of life and reduced sense of masculinities. Robust evidence shows that physical activity (PA) can improve many health outcomes in men with PC; however, less is known about the facilitators, preferences, and barriers to PA engagement in this population. The purpose of this scoping review is to document the nature and extent of literature related to these aspects of PA participation among men with PC.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review of PA among men with PC. Databases searched included Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, and SportDiscus from inception to June 30, 2020. Multiple reviewers were used in all screening and data abstractions.

RESULTS

The search yielded 2788 individual citations after duplicates were removed. Following title and abstract screening, 129 underwent full-text review, and 46 articles were included. Quantitative data related to our research question showed that structured group exercise was the most commonly reported facilitator/preference among men with PC, whereas treatment-related effects and lack of time are the most common barriers. In terms of qualitative data, the most prominent theme noted related to masculinities and gender-specific needs within the context of having PC.

CONCLUSION

Men with PC have unique facilitators and barriers concerning PA. More work is needed from the research and clinical practice perspectives to enable this population to engage and remain in regular PA.

Mobile Health Applications, Cancer Survivors, and Lifestyle Modification: An Integrative Review

Cancer survivors' well-being is threatened by the risk of cancer recurrence and the increased risk of chronic diseases resulting from cancer treatments. Improving lifestyle behaviors attenuates these risks. Traditional approaches to lifestyle modification (ie, counseling) are expensive, require significant human resources, and are difficult to scale. Mobile health interventions offer a novel alternative to traditional approaches. However, to date, systematic reviews have yet to examine the use of mobile health interventions for lifestyle behavior improvement among cancer survivors. The objectives of this integrative review were to synthesize research findings, critically appraise the scientific literature, examine the use of theory in intervention design, and identify survivors' preferences in using mobile health interventions for lifestyle improvement. Nineteen articles met eligibility requirements. Only two studies used quantitative methods. Study quality was low, and only one study reported the use of theory in app design. Unfortunately, the evidence has not yet sufficiently matured, in quality or in rigor, to make recommendations on how to improve health behaviors or outcomes. However, six themes emerged as important considerations for intervention development for cancer survivors (app features/functionality, social relationships/support, provider relationships/support, app content, app acceptability, and barriers to use). These findings underscored the need for rigorous, efficacy studies before the use of mobile health interventions can be safely recommended for cancer survivors.

Older Adults' Perceptions of Sedentary Behavior: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Reducing sedentary behavior contributes to healthy aging. In order to develop sedentary behavior interventions, insight is needed into older adults' perceptions of (reducing) sedentary behavior. Therefore, this systematic review aims to synthesize qualitative evidence of older adults' perceptions towards (a) the concept of sedentary behavior, (b) barriers and facilitators of sedentary behavior, and (c) solutions and strategies to reduce sedentary behavior.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in four electronic databases. Inclusion criteria comprised qualitative and mixed-methods studies investigating the perceptions of older adults (mean age: ≥60 years) towards (reducing) sedentary behavior. Quality of the included studies was rated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Checklist. Relevant data on older adults' perceptions were extracted and imported into NVivo. Two independent reviewers analyzed the data by means of thematic synthesis (line-by-line coding, constructing descriptive (sub)themes, developing analytical themes).

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were included. Four analytical themes were developed to be considered when aiming to reduce sedentary behavior in older adults: the lack of knowledge on/awareness of sedentary behavior, the habitual nature of sedentary behavior, the importance of enjoyment and convenience, and the key role of aging.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The reduction of older adults' sedentary behavior will likely be challenging as sedentary behavior seems to be firmly incorporated into older adults' daily routines, and strongly linked with positive reinforcement. Both aspects deserve thoughtful attention by intervention developers and health care professionals who aim to promote healthy aging by reducing sedentary behavior.

Exploring adults' experiences of sedentary behaviour and participation in non-workplace interventions designed to reduce sedentary behaviour: a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behaviour is any waking behaviour characterised by an energy expenditure of ≤1.5 metabolic equivalent of task while in a sitting or reclining posture. Prolonged bouts of sedentary behaviour have been associated with negative health outcomes in all age groups. We examined qualitative research investigating perceptions and experiences of sedentary behaviour and of participation in non-workplace interventions designed to reduce sedentary behaviour in adult populations.

METHOD

A systematic search of seven databases (MEDLINE, AMED, Cochrane, PsychINFO, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL and Web of Science) was conducted in September 2017. Studies were assessed for methodological quality and a thematic synthesis was conducted. Prospero database ID: CRD42017083436.

RESULTS

Thirty individual studies capturing the experiences of 918 individuals were included. Eleven studies examined experiences and/or perceptions of sedentary behaviour in older adults (typically ≥60 years); ten studies focused on sedentary behaviour in people experiencing a clinical condition, four explored influences on sedentary behaviour in adults living in socio-economically disadvantaged communities, two examined university students' experiences of sedentary behaviour, two on those of working-age adults, and one focused on cultural influences on sedentary behaviour. Three analytical themes were identified: 1) the impact of different life stages on sedentary behaviour 2) lifestyle factors influencing sedentary behaviour and 3) barriers and facilitators to changing sedentary behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

Sedentary behaviour is multifaceted and influenced by a complex interaction between individual, environmental and socio-cultural factors. Micro and macro pressures are experienced at different life stages and in the context of illness; these shape individuals' beliefs and behaviour related to sedentariness. Knowledge of sedentary behaviour and the associated health consequences appears limited in adult populations, therefore there is a need for provision of accessible information about ways in which sedentary behaviour reduction can be integrated in people's daily lives. Interventions targeting a reduction in sedentary behaviour need to consider the multiple influences on sedentariness when designing and implementing interventions.

RiseTx: testing the feasibility of a web application for reducing sedentary behavior among prostate cancer survivors receiving androgen deprivation therapy

Background

Given the high levels of sedentary time and treatment-related side effects in prostate cancer survivors (PCS), interventions targeting sedentary behavior (SED) may be more sustainable compared to physical activity (PA).

Purpose

To examine the feasibility of a web-based intervention (RiseTx) for reducing SED and increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among PCS undergoing ADT. Secondary outcomes include changes in SED, MVPA, light intensity PA, and quality of life.

Methods

Forty-six PCS were recruited from two cancer centres in Toronto, Ontario, Canada between July 2015–October 2016. PCS were given an activity tracker (Jawbone), access to the RiseTx website program, and provided with a goal of increasing walking by 3000 daily steps above baseline levels over a 12-week period. A range of support tools were progressively released to reduce SED time (e.g., self-monitoring of steps) during the five-phase program. Objective measures of SED, MVPA, and daily steps were compared across the 12-week intervention using linear mixed models.

Results

Of the 46 PCS enrolled in the study, 42 completed the SED intervention, representing a 9% attrition rate. Measurement completion rates were 97 and 65% at immediately post-intervention and 12-week follow-up for all measures, respectively. Overall adherence was 64% for total number of logins (i.e., > 3 visits each week). Sample mean age was 73.2 ± 7.3 years, mean BMI was 28.0 ± 3.0 kg/m², mean number of months since diagnosis was 93.6 ± 71.2, and 72% had ADT administered continuously. Significant reductions of 455.4 weekly minutes of SED time were observed at post-intervention (p = .005). Significant increases of + 44.1 for weekly minutes of MVPA was observed at immediately post-intervention (p = .010). There were significant increases in step counts of + 1535 steps from baseline to post-intervention (p < .001).

Conclusions

RiseTx was successful in reducing SED and increasing MVPA in PCS. PCS were satisfied with the intervention and its components. Additional strategies may be needed though for maintenance of behavior change. The next step for RiseTx is to replicate these findings in a larger, randomized controlled trial that will have the potential for reducing sedentary time among PCS.

Trial registration

NCT03321149 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier).

George SM, Brandt HM. African American Women's Perceived Influences on and Strategies to Reduce Sedentary Behavior

We conducted three focus groups to examine African American women's perceptions of factors influencing and proposed strategies for reducing sedentary behavior (SB). QSR NVivo 9 facilitated coding and organization of themes. Although participants ( n = 32, 53.6 ± 6.0 years, 75% obese) were unfamiliar with the term SB prior to focus groups, they described spending large amounts of time in SB at work and home. Participants viewed leisure-time SB as necessary and important but were amenable to decreasing SB at work. Participants also identified personal, social, and environmental factors contributing to SB as well as novel strategies for reducing SB. Results suggest that messages aimed at reducing SB in African American women should be positively framed, viewed within a socioecologic framework, and target nonleisure time SB. SB was viewed as a form of stress reduction; thus, future research might want to emphasize alternative stress management techniques that simultaneously reduce SB.

Mobile Phone Apps for Quality of Life and Well-Being Assessment in Breast and Prostate Cancer Patients: Systematic Review

Background

Mobile phone health apps are increasingly gaining attention in oncological care as potential tools for supporting cancer patients. Although the number of publications and health apps focusing on cancer is increasing, there are still few specifically designed for the most prevalent cancers diagnosed: breast and prostate cancers. There is a need to review the effect of these apps on breast and prostate cancer patients’ quality of life (QoL) and well-being.

Objective

The purposes of this study were to review the scientific literature on mobile phone apps targeting breast or prostate cancer patients and involving QoL and well-being (anxiety and depression symptoms) and analyze the clinical and technological characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of these apps, as well as patients’ user experience with them.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature from The Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE to identify studies involving apps focused on breast and/or prostate cancer patients and QoL and/or well-being published between January 1, 2000, and July 12, 2017. Only trial studies which met the inclusion criteria were selected. The systematic review was completed with a critical analysis of the apps previously identified in the health literature research that were available from the official app stores.

Results

The systematic review of the literature yielded 3862 articles. After removal of duplicates, 3229 remained and were evaluated on the basis of title and abstract. Of these, 3211 were discarded as not meeting the inclusion criteria, and 18 records were selected for full text screening. Finally, 5 citations were included in this review, with a total of 644 patients, mean age 52.16 years. Four studies targeted breast cancer patients and 1 focused on prostate cancer patients. Four studies referred to apps that assessed QoL. Only 1 among the 5 analyzed apps was available from the official app store. In 3 studies, an app-related intervention was carried out, and 2 of them reported an improvement on QoL. The lengths of the app-related interventions varied from 4 to 12 weeks. Because 2 of the studies only tracked use of the app, no effect on QoL or well-being was found.

Conclusions

Despite the existence of hundreds of studies involving cancer-focused mobile phone apps, there is a lack of rigorous trials regarding the QoL and/or well-being assessment in breast and/or prostate cancer patients. A strong and collective effort should be made by all health care providers to determine those cancer-focused apps that effectively represent useful, accurate, and reliable tools for cancer patients’ disease management.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42017073069; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID= CRD42017073069 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6v38Clb9T)

The Effect of the Move More Pack on the Physical Activity of Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Randomized Waiting List Control Trial with Process Evaluation

Background

Physical activity can improve many common side effects of cancer treatment as well as improve physical function and quality of life (QOL). In addition, physical activity can improve survival rate and reduce cancer recurrence. Despite these benefits, only 23% of cancer survivors in England are active to recommended levels. Cancer survivors are interested in lifestyle behavior change. Home-based interventions offer a promising means for changing physical activity behavior. Prediagnosis levels of physical activity and self-efficacy have been reported to be predictors of physical activity behavior change. The Move More Pack, which has undergone revision, is a printed resource with supporting Internet-based tools that aims to increase the physical activity of cancer survivors in the United Kingdom. The revised Move More Pack is underpinned by the theory of planned behavior and the social cognitive theory.

Objective

The aim of this proposed study was to investigate the effect of the revised Move More Pack, supported by Internet-based tools, on physical activity, self-efficacy, and health-related QOL (HRQOL) of cancer survivors in the United Kingdom.

Methods

This study is a two-arm waiting list randomized control trial with embedded process evaluation. A sample of 99 participants per arm will be recruited by invitation through an email database of cancer survivors held by UK charity Macmillan Cancer Support and an advert placed on the Macmillan Cancer Support Facebook page. Each participant is randomized to receive brief physical activity information and the UK guidelines for physical activity, or brief physical activity information and the revised Move More Pack with supporting Internet-based tools. The intervention and control arm will be followed up at 12 weeks to identify changes in self-reported physical activity, self-efficacy, and HRQOL based on Web-based questionnaires. The control arm will receive the revised Move More Pack at 12 weeks with follow-up at 24 weeks. The intervention arm is followed up at 24 weeks to determine maintenance of reported changes. Subgroup analyses will be completed based on participants’ prediagnosis level of physical activity and baseline self-efficacy as possible predictors of positive changes. Use of each component of the revised Move More Pack will be assessed using a 4-point Likert scale. Semistructured phone interviews will evaluate the use and perceived usefulness of the revised Move More Pack.

Results

Participant recruitment started in March 2017. Projected completion of this study is October 2018.

Conclusions

This study’s findings will identify if the proposed low-cost broad reach intervention improves physical activity, self-efficacy, and the HRQOL of cancer survivors. The process evaluation is designed to contextualize the use and perceived usefulness of the revised Move More Pack, help augment its efficient distribution, and identify potential improvements to its design.

Profiling sedentary behavior in breast cancer survivors: Links with depression symptoms during the early survivorship period

OBJECTIVE

Depression symptoms are prevalent among breast cancer survivors (BCS). Reducing sedentary behavior (SED) may be a non-pharmaceutical strategy for alleviating depression symptoms. However, little is known about SED among BCS. The present study aimed to: (i) describe SED behaviors among BCS and identify unique SED groups based on different SED dimensions; (ii) identify personal and cancer-specific factors that discriminate SED clusters; and (iii) examine the association between SED clusters and depression symptoms.

METHODS

Baseline self-report demographic and medical information was collected from 187 BCS. SED and physical activity were assessed over seven days using an accelerometer. Self-reported depression symptoms were reported three months later. Multiple dimensions of SED were identified and examined in cluster analysis. The clusters were examined for differences using multivariate analysis of variance and chi-square analyses. The difference in depression symptoms among SED groups was assessed using an analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

High and low SED groups were identified. Survivors in the high SED cluster were significantly older, heavier, less physically active, reported less education, and were more likely to have undergone lymph/axial node dissection. Women in the high SED cluster reported significantly higher depression symptoms prospectively (M = 9.50, SD = 6.07) compared to women in the low SED group (M = 6.89, SD = 5.18), F(8,179) = 4.97, p = 0.03, R²  = 0.34.

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of understanding multiple dimensions of SED among BCS was highlighted. Reducing SED during the early survivorship period may alleviate depression symptoms.

Real World Evidence: A Quantitative and Qualitative Glance at Participant Feedback from a Free-Response Survey Investigating Experiences of a Structured Exercise Intervention for Men with Prostate Cancer

AIM

To explore patient experiences of a structured exercise intervention for men with prostate cancer (PCa).

SAMPLE

41 men with either localised or advanced PCa who had been referred for a structured exercise programme by their physician and then subsequently consented to a telephone survey.

METHOD

Participants underwent a 10-week supervised exercise programme within a large cancer centre hospital consisting of 8 sessions. They then completed a short multiple choice telephone survey, elaborating on their responses where appropriate. Views expressed by participants were analysed using an affinity diagram and common themes were identified.

RESULTS

Feedback from our telephone surveys was consistently positive and suggests that the structured exercise intervention provides exercise confidence, motivation to exercise, and social support and promotes positive health behaviour change in the context of exercise. Individual differences arose amongst participants in their perceived utility of the intervention, with 73.3% expressing a preference for structured exercise classes and 19.5% expressing a preference for exercising independently.

CONCLUSION

Design of a structured exercise intervention for patients with PCa should embrace the positive aspects outlined here but consider patients' individual differences. Ongoing feedback from patients should be utilised alongside traditional study designs to inform intervention design in this area.

Breast cancer survivors' beliefs and preferences regarding technology-supported sedentary behavior reduction interventions

PURPOSE

Less time spent in sedentary behaviors is associated with improved health and disease outcomes in breast cancer survivors. However, little is known about survivors' interest in sedentary behavior reduction interventions and how to effectively reduce this risk behavior. The purpose of this study was to explore breast cancer survivors' interest in and preferences for technology-supported sedentary behavior reduction interventions.

METHODS

Breast cancer survivors [n=279; M_age =60.7 (SD=9.7)] completed a battery of online questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all data. To examine potential relationships between demographic, disease and behavioral factors, and survivors' interest in a technology-supported sedentary behavior reduction intervention, we conducted logistic regression analyses. These same factors were examined in relation to the perceptions of the effectiveness of such intervention using multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS

On average, survivors spent 10.1 (SD=4.3) hours/day in sedentary activity. They believed prolonged periods of sedentary behavior were harmful to their health (87.0%) and that reducing sedentary behavior could improve their health (88.4%). Survivors believed they should move around after 30-60 (56.7%) or ≥60 (29.9%) minutes of sedentary behavior and indicated they were most likely to replace sedentary behaviors with walking around (97.1%) or walking in place (73.4%). The majority of survivors (79.9%) was interested in participating in a technology-supported sedentary behavior reduction intervention and indicated they would use a smartphone application (61.3%) 2-3 times/day (48.0%), 6 to 7 days/week (52.0%). Most survivors (73.5%) believed reminders would help them decrease sedentary behavior and preferred they be delivered after sitting for 60 minutes (60.5%) via vibrations on a wrist worn activity tracker (77.3%) or text messages (54.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Technology-supported sedentary behavior reduction interventions may be feasible and acceptable to breast cancer survivors. Data regarding user preferences for content, features, delivery mode and design will aid researchers in developing sedentary interventions that are potentially more relevant and effective from the outset.