Factors that influence physical activity in prostate cancer patients

• Main Author: Ryan, Clare (Author)
• Other Authors: Shepherd, Daniel (Contributor), Krageloh, Christian (Contributor)
• Format: Others
• Published: Auckland University of Technology, 2010-07-08T21:12:09Z.
• Subjects: Cancer; Theory of planned behaviour; Thesis
• Online Access: Get fulltext

 This exploratory study determines the physical activity intentions and behaviours in men (n=81) with prostate cancer who are currently receiving androgen deprivation therapy, and identifies factors that influence these behaviours. The quality of life of men with prostate cancer was also measured. The Theory of Planned Behaviour is utilised as a predictor of participant's intention to be physically active. Men (58-92 years of age) who were registered as receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer through the Auckland District Health Board were invited to be involved in this study. Frequency testing indicated that the majority of men were regularly physically active, but that only a small proportion of participants (11%) engaged in resistance or strength training activities. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses indicated that the components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour accurately predicted intention to exercise. Of the three components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, attitude is the most important variable in terms of intention to exercise, relative to subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. In terms of actual activity, the components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour partly predict activity, with perceived behavioural control being the greatest determinant for one participating in activity. Two-tailed independent samples t-tests were performed to compare the norms of the current quality of life data, with existing New Zealand and Australian normative data sets. Results indicated that the means of all three data sets are very similar in the psychological, social and environmental domains, but are close to being statistically different in the physical domain, indicating that men with prostate cancer who are receiving androgen deprivation therapy have a lower physical quality of life than age-matched healthy samples.