Perceptions of a comprehensive physical activity behavior intervention among endometrial cancer survivors with obesity. A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Evaluate perceptions of a 12-week in-person physical activity intervention for endometrial cancer survivors with obesity.

METHODS: Sixteen endometrial cancer survivors (Age: 64 ± 8 yrs) with obesity (BMI: 34 ± 8 kg·m-2 ) who completed a 12-week comprehensive physical activity program completed semi-structured interviews regarding perceptions of physical activity participation. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis and were confirmed by multiple authors.

RESULTS: Emergent themes (and subthemes) were: 1) Routine physical activity (Walking, Chores), 2) Motivations for physical activity (Social, Independence, Health, Family, Weight), 3) Barriers to physical activity (Weather, Pain, Fatigue, Family Stress), 4) Motivation to 12-week program adherence (Social, Fun, Caring, Structure, Shared Experiences), 5) Perceived benefits of the program (Social, Self-efficacy, Activities of Daily Living, Body Composition, Well-being, Health), and 6) Feedback about the 12-week program (Timing, Setting, Exercise Modes, Incentives, Instructor, Learning).

CONCLUSIONS: Socioculturally diverse cancer survivors with obesity who were able to complete a 12-week physical activity program emphasized the importance of maintaining independence, and being part of a fun, caring, and social environment for their ability to overcome fatigue, pain, and family stresses to adhere to the program. Participants discussed myriad health and wellness benefits, and wished the program were more robust.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Low-burden exercise programs can confer meaningful health and wellness benefits for cancer survivors. To maintain adherence, programs should emphasize social cohesion and exercises to help maintain independence. Instructors should express caring support while also making classes fun, while emphasizing body composition instead of weight loss.