What Explains the Intention to Be Physically Active in Cancer Patients? Different Determinants for Active and Insufficiently Active Patients

Abstract

In a qualitative elicitation study with 61 cancer patients, a broad range of attitudes toward physical activity could be obtained, especially negative attitudes among insufficiently active patients. Based on these results, a second quantitative study was conducted; 64 patients [40 men; 42% insufficiently active (<150 minutes/week)] completed a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) questionnaire. Regression analyses revealed that different variables of the TPB are relevant for explaining the intention to exercise for physically active (subjective norm) and insufficiently active (attitudes) cancer patients. Health professionals should adapt their support to the special needs of insufficiently active and active cancer patients.

KEYWORDS:

• Theory of Planned Behavior
• physical activity
• oncology
• attitude
• stage theory

Notes

¹The items were: useless–useful, harmful–beneficial, wise–foolish, bad–good (instrumental), and unenjoyable–enjoyable, boring–interesting, unpleasant–pleasant (affective).