Perceived and expected effects of physical activity in female cancer survivors

Abstract

Background Although physical activity (PA) is associated with improved survival and quality of life of cancer patients, few are actively engaged. We intended to analyze the perceived and expected effects of physical activity (PEEPA) and the ascribed significance of PA aims (SPAA). To operationalize these complex dimensions, we developed a research tool that should be validated in female cancer survivors. Methods Enrolling 395 women with cancer, we performed reliability and factor analysis of the German language PEEPA and SPAA questionnaires. Results Reliabilities of the 22-item PEEPA and the 10-item SPAA were both very good (Cronbach's α=0.940 and 0.916, respectively). Exploratory factor analysis of the PEEPA differentiated intended “Well-being/Strengthening” and “Psycho-emotional Stabilization”, and perceived “Health Stabilization” and “Resilience/Balance in daily life”. Seven items, which conceptually refer to the “Experience of deficiency/Hindrance” to be physically active, made up an independent factor ( α=0.817). Factor analysis for the SPAA differentiated “Coping: Change/Support” and “Improvement of abilities”. We found complex correlations with SF-12's health-related quality of life, depression (HADS), and engagement in leisure-time PA. Conclusions Both instruments and the preliminary results provide useful information on the underlying attitudes and intentions of cancer survivors towards PA.