Understanding physical activity behavior in patients with bladder cancer before and after radical cystectomy: a qualitative interview study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the determinants of physical activity in patients with bladder cancer before and after radical cystectomy. Design: A qualitative research design using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Setting and subjects: A total of 30 interviews were conducted with people diagnosed with bladder cancer and treated with radical cystectomy at Ghent University Hospital. Main measures: The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Framework analysis with constant comparison between and within interviews was applied until final topics were derived from interpreting the data. Results: Physical activity behavior in patients with bladder cancer is determined multifactorial with condition-related (e.g. urinary symptoms, comorbidities), therapy-related (e.g. fatigue, diarrhea), patient-related (e.g. outcome expectations, coping skills, definitions of physical activity), social/economic-related (e.g. social support, attractive environment) and health system–related (e.g. physicians’ advice, information) factors. Conclusion: The results of this study can guide the development of theory-based behavior change interventions to increase physical activity in bladder cancer patients.