Evaluating the attitudes of individuals with a history of cancer towards exercise using the transtheoretical model

• Main Authors: Sabriye Ercan, Ahsen Oğul, Esma Arslan, Murat Koçer, Ferdi Başkurt, Cem Çetin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Turkish Sports Medicine Association 2021-02-01
• Series: Spor Hekimligi Dergisi
• Subjects: cancer; exercise; physical activity
• Online Access: https://journalofsportsmedicine.org/eng/full-text-pdf/573/tur

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes and demands about exercise of individuals with a medical history of cancer. Materials and Methods: Regardless of the type of cancer, individuals with a history of cancer were included in the study. The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, smoking, comorbid diseases, their knowledge of cancer, and about exercise habits and demands were questioned with a questionnaire prepared by the researchers. Results: A total of 131 participants (61.1% female, 38.9% male; average age 51.8±11.3 years) were included in the study. Average time elapsed since their diagnosis of cancer was 46.0±48.7 months. About 26.7% of the participants reported that they had been doing regular physical activity in the past. Physical activity level was determined as 796.9±944.5 MET/week. According to the stage of exercise behaviour change questionnaire, it was determined that the individuals participating in the study were at precontemplation (29.0%), contemplation (9.9%), preparation (17.6%), action (19.1%), and maintenance (24.4%) stages. Most participants (67.9%) wanted to get information about physical activity/exercise. Participants stated that they would request physicians (46.7%), physiotherapists (22.2%), and physicians and physiotherapists jointly (11.1%) as a source of information. They most frequently requested to receive information in a face-to-face environment. The most common exercise type was walking (43.5%). It was found that 32.8% of the participants thought they follow the suggested and explained/shown exercise program, the rate being higher in females. The rate of those who stated that they wanted to follow their exercise program with an observer was 68.3%. Conclusion: Assessing the conditions that prevent cancer patients from exercising, intervening in modifiable factors, and making exercise a part of the treatment process by considering their demands for physical activity may contribute to the health of patients.