Motivations and Experiences in a Physical Activity Program for Cancer Survivors: Findings from Key Informant Interviews

2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712110619
Author(s):  
Melissa Dunn ◽  
Lauren Milius ◽  
Amanda Ivarra ◽  
Maria Cooper ◽  
Nimisha Bhakta
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Key Informant

Purpose LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is an evidence-based 12-week physical activity (PA) program for cancer survivors. The purpose of our study was to understand the factors that motivated cancer survivors to begin the program, how the program impacted their habits, and how their experience influenced their motivation to continue with the program. Approach or Design Key informant interviews Setting Phone interviews conducted between April 15 and June 1, 2020. Participants 27 cancer survivors in Texas who previously participated in the LS program. Method Participants completed a 30- to 60-minute interview with one of four interviewers. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes. Results Most interviewees were motivated to begin the program because of a desire to feel better after treatment. The most cited motivator to continue in the program was the community of cancer survivors. During the program, interviewees enjoyed learning different exercises, the community of cancer survivors, and the supportive teachers. Nearly all interviewees adopted or changed a healthy habit as a result of the program. Conclusion These results could be used by healthcare professionals to better understand what motivates cancer survivors to participate in a PA program. Results could also be used to plan or modify other PA programs for cancer survivors.

scholarly journals Effects of a DVD-delivered randomized controlled physical activity intervention on functional health in cancer survivors

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Salerno ◽  
Neha P. Gothe ◽  
Jason Fanning ◽  
Lindsay L. Peterson ◽  
Graham A. Colditz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Group Time

Abstract Background Supervised physical activity interventions improve functional health during cancer survivorship, but remain costly and inaccessible for many. We previously reported on the benefits of a DVD-delivered physical activity program (FlexToBa™) in older adults. This is a secondary analysis of the intervention effects among cancer survivors in the original sample. Methods Low active, older adults who self-reported a history of cancer (N = 46; M time since diagnosis = 10.7 ± 9.4 years) participated in a 6-month, home-based physical activity intervention. Participants were randomized to either the DVD-delivered physical activity program focused on flexibility, toning, and balance (FlexToBa™; n = 22) or an attentional control condition (n = 24). Physical function was assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) at baseline, end of intervention, and at 12 and 24 months after baseline. Results Repeated measures linear mixed models indicated a significant group*time interaction for the SPPB total score (β = − 1.14, p = 0.048), driven by improved function from baseline to six months in the FlexToBa™ group. The intervention group also had improved balance (β = − 0.56, p = 0.041) compared with controls. Similar trends emerged for the SPPB total score during follow-up; the group*time interaction from 0 to 12 months approached significance (β = − 0.97, p = 0.089) and was significant from 0 to 24 months (β = − 1.84, p = 0.012). No significant interactions emerged for other outcomes (ps > 0.11). Conclusions A DVD-delivered physical activity intervention designed for cancer-free older adults was capable of eliciting and maintaining clinically meaningful functional improvements in a subgroup of cancer survivors, with similar effects to the original full sample. These findings inform the dissemination of evidence-based physical activity programs during survivorship. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.govNCT01030419. Registered 11 December 2009

scholarly journals Identifying barriers, facilitators, and implementation strategies for a faith-based physical activity program

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Haughton ◽  
Michelle L. Takemoto ◽  
Jennifer Schneider ◽  
Steven P. Hooker ◽  
Borsika Rabin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Church Staff ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Activity Program

Abstract Background: Community engagement is critical to the acceleration of evidence-based interventions into community settings. Harnessing the knowledge and opinions of community leaders increases the likelihood of successful implementation, scale up, and sustainment of evidence-based interventions. Faith in Action (Fe en Acción) is an evidence-based promotora-led physical activity program designed to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among churchgoing Latina women.Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) at various Catholic and Protestant churches with large Latino membership in San Diego County, California to explore barriers and facilitators to implementation of Faith in Action and identify promising implementation strategies for program scale-up and dissemination. We interviewed 22 pastors and church staff and analyzed transcripts using an iterative-deductive team approach. Results: Pastors and church staff described barriers and facilitators to implementation within three domains of CFIR: characteristics of individuals (lack of self-efficacy for and knowledge of physical activity; influence on churchgoers’ behaviors), inner setting (church culture and norms, alignment with mission and values, competing priorities, lack of resources), and outer setting (need for buy-in from senior leadership). From the interviews, we identified four promising implementation strategies for the scale-up of faith-based health promotion programs: 1) health behavior change training for pastors and staff; 2) tailored messaging; 3) developing community collaborations; and 4) gaining denominational support.Conclusions: While churches can serve as valuable partners in health promotion, specific barriers and facilitators to implementation must be recognized and understood. Addressing these barriers through targeted implementation strategies at the adopter and organizational level can facilitate improved program implementation and lead the way for scale-up and dissemination.

scholarly journals Experiences and perceptions of referrals to a community-based physical activity program from cancer survivors: A qualitative exploration

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie M Faro ◽  
Kristin M Mattocks ◽  
Dalton Mourao ◽  
Catherine S Nagawa ◽  
Stephenie C Lemon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
Medical Providers ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Program Staff ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Electronic Referral ◽  
Program Awareness ◽  
Electronic Referrals

Abstract Background Physical activity rates in cancer survivors continue to be low despite the known benefits and availability of evidence-based programs. LIVESTRONG at the Y is a national community-based physical activity program offered cost-free to cancer survivors, though is underutilized. We explored perceptions and experiences of staff and participating survivors to better understand program awareness, referrals and participation. Methods LIVESTRONG at the Y program staff [directors (n = 16), instructors (n = 4)] and survivors (n = 8) from 8 United States YMCAs took part in 30-minute semi-structured phone interviews. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and evaluated using a thematic analysis approach. Results and Discussion Program staff themes included: 1) Program awareness should be further developed for both the general public and medical providers; 2) Strong relationships with medical providers increased program referrals; 3) Electronic referral systems between providers and LIVESTRONG would help to streamline the referral process; and 4) Bi-directional communication between program staff and medical providers is key to providing patient progress updates. Survivor themes included: 1) Survivors trust their medical team and the information they provide about physical activity; 2) Providers need to incorporate an action plan and referrals for survivors to be active once treatments are completed; and 3) Personal experiences of those who participated in LIVESTRONG resonate with survivors and increase participation. Conclusions LIVESTRONG staff reported the need for an integrated electronic referral system and bi-directional communication with providers about participant progress. Survivors want physical activity education, electronic referrals and follow-up from their healthcare team, coupled with peer support from other survivors. Cancer care provider knowledge and electronic referrals during and after treatment may expedite and increase participation in this community-based program.

scholarly journals Adopting an evidence-based lifestyle physical activity program: dissemination study design and methods

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea L Dunn ◽  
David B Buller ◽  
James W Dearing ◽  
Gary Cutter ◽  
Michele Guerra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Lifestyle Physical Activity ◽  
Design And Methods

scholarly journals Maintenance of effects of a home-based physical activity program among breast cancer survivors

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 1279-1289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernardine M. Pinto ◽  
Carolyn Rabin ◽  
George D. Papandonatos ◽  
Georita M. Frierson ◽  
Joseph J. Trunzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Home Based

scholarly journals Engaging stakeholders to identify implementation strategies for a faith-based physical activity program

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Haughton ◽  
Michelle L. Takemoto ◽  
Jennifer Schneider ◽  
Steven P. Hooker ◽  
Borsika Rabin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Health Behavior Change ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Activity Program

Abstract Background Stakeholder engagement is critical to the acceleration of evidence-based interventions into community settings. Harnessing the knowledge and opinions of community stakeholders increases the likelihood of successful implementation, scale up, and sustainment of evidence-based interventions. Faith in Action ( Fe en Acción ) is an evidence-based promotora -led physical activity program designed to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among churchgoing Latina women. Methods We conducted in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) at various Catholic and Protestant churches with large Latino membership in San Diego County, California to explore barriers and facilitators to implementation of a Faith in Action and to identify promising implementation strategies for program scale-up and dissemination. We interviewed 22 pastors and church staff and analyzed transcripts using an iterative-deductive team approach. Results Stakeholders described barriers and facilitators to implementation within three domains of CFIR: characteristics of individuals (lack of self-efficacy for and knowledge of PA; influence on churchgoers’ behaviors), inner setting (church culture and norms, alignment with mission and values, competing priorities, lack of resources), and outer setting (need for buy-in from senior leadership). From the interviews, we identified four promising implementation strategies for the scale-up of faith-based health promotion programs: 1) health behavior change training for pastors and staff; 2) tailored messaging; 3) developing community collaborations; and 4) gaining denominational support. Conclusions While churches can serve as valuable partners in health promotion, specific barriers and facilitators to implementation must be recognized and understood. Addressing these barriers through targeted implementation strategies at the adopter and organizational level can facilitate improved program implementation and lead the way for scale-up and dissemination.

scholarly journals Engaging stakeholders to identify implementation strategies for a faith-based physical activity program

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Haughton ◽  
Michelle L. Takemoto ◽  
Jennifer Schneider ◽  
Steven P. Hooker ◽  
Borsika Rabin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Health Behavior Change ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Faith Based ◽  
Activity Program

Abstract Background: Stakeholder engagement is critical to the acceleration of evidence-based interventions into community settings. Harnessing the knowledge and opinions of community stakeholders increases the likelihood of successful implementation, scale up, and sustainment of evidence-based interventions. Faith in Action ( Fe en Acción ) is an evidence-based promotora -led physical activity program designed to increase moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among churchgoing Latina women.Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) at various Catholic and Protestant churches with large Latino membership in San Diego County, California to explore barriers and facilitators to implementation of a Faith in Action and to identify promising implementation strategies for program scale-up and dissemination. We interviewed 22 pastors and church staff and analyzed transcripts using an iterative-deductive team approach.Results: Stakeholders described barriers and facilitators to implementation within three domains of CFIR: characteristics of individuals (lack of self-efficacy for and knowledge of PA; influence on churchgoers’ behaviors), inner setting (church culture and norms, alignment with mission and values, competing priorities, lack of resources), and outer setting (need for buy-in from senior leadership). From the interviews, we identified four promising implementation strategies for the scale-up of faith-based health promotion programs: 1) health behavior change training for pastors and staff; 2) tailored messaging; 3) developing community collaborations; and 4) gaining denominational support.Conclusions: While churches can serve as valuable partners in health promotion, specific barriers and facilitators to implementation must be recognized and understood. Addressing these barriers through targeted implementation strategies at the adopter and organizational level can facilitate improved program implementation and lead the way for scale-up and dissemination.

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