Application of protection motivation theory in functional training among breast cancer patients

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of protection motivation theory (PMT) in functional training among breast cancer patients. Methods From January 2018 to December 2018, we selected 110 breast cancer patients with modified radical mastectomy in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Henan Cancer Hospital) by convenience sampling as subjects. A total of 55 inpatients between January 2018 and June 2018 were in control group, and 55 inpatients between July 2018 to December 2018 were in experimental group. Control group carried out routine functional training guidance for patients before discharge, while experimental group implemented intervention based on PMT. Intervention effects of two groups were compared with the Functional Exercise Compliance Scale for Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients, the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire and the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) . Results A total of 50 complete data were collected in control group and 52 in experimental group. After intervention, the scores of physical exercise compliance and compliance actively seeking advice of patients in experimental group were higher than those in control group with statistical differences (P<0.05) ; the score of upper limb disorder questionnaire of patients in experimental group was lower than that in control group with a statistical difference (P<0.05) ; the score of anxiety of patients in experimental group was lower than that in control group with a statistical difference (P<0.05) . Conclusions PMT-based intervention can improve the functional exercise compliance and upper limb function of breast cancer patients, and reduce their anxiety. Key words: Breast neoplasms; Protection motivation theory; Functional training; Upper limb function; Anxiety