Predictors of physical activity among rural and small town breast cancer survivors: An application of the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the utility of the two-component theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in understanding physical activity intentions and behaviour in rural and small town breast cancer survivors. The secondary objective was to elicit the most common behavioural, normative and control beliefs of rural and small town survivors regarding physical activity. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 524 rural and small town breast cancer survivors completed a mailed survey that assessed physical activity and TPB variables. Physical activity intention explained 12% of the variance in physical activity behaviour (p < 0.01) while the TPB constructs together explained 43% of the variance in physical activity intention (p < 0.01). Unique behavioural, normative and control beliefs were elicited from the sample. The two-component TPB framework appears to be a suitable model to initiate an understanding of physical activity determinants among rural and small town breast cancer survivors. These data can be used in the development and establishment of physical activity behaviour interventions and health promotion materials designed to facilitate physical activity behaviour among rural and small town breast cancer survivors.

Keywords:

• physical activity
• theory of planned behaviour
• breast cancer survivors
• rural

Acknowledgements

Dr. Jeff Vallance is supported by a Population Health Investigator Award from Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions and a New Investigator Award from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

Sources of Support: This study was supported by a Project Interface Grant from Alberta Health Services – Cancer Corridor.