Use of physical activity as a health tool for cancer patients and oncologists

Abstract

9634 Background: Regular physical activity can be beneficial to health for both patients and their providers. Research suggests that health care providers can potentially provide an important role in changing patients’ health behaviors. The purpose of this study is to (a) explore factors that influence whether or not oncologists recommend physical activity to their patients and (b) to examine physical activity levels of oncologists. Methods: 199 practicing medical and radiation oncologists throughout the United States responded to a mailed survey (response rate = 30%). Oncologists self-reported their physical activity promotion practices, their own physical activity behaviors, and provided demographic and practice related information. Results: Approximately 64% of oncologists reported inquiring about their patients’ physical activity on most or all visits. Further, 57% of oncologists reported regularly meeting American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for physical activity (i.e., 150 minutes of moderate or 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week). Potential predictors of physical activity promotion (i.e., age, ethnicity, number of years practicing, tumor types treated and own physical activity participation) were tested using univariate statistics. A logistic regression analysis indicated that number of years practicing (OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.465–5.521) and their own physical activity participation (OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.025–3.426) were both significant and independent predictors of physical activity promotion. No other factors were identified as predictors of physical activity promotion. Conclusions: Approximately half of oncologists do not meet public health physical activity guidelines and fewer than two thirds regularly inquire about the physical activity levels of their patients. Data from this study suggest that these findings are linked: inactive oncologists tend to promote physical activity less to their patients. More physical activity adoption by oncologists may ultimately lead to increased activity levels in their patients, leading to greater health benefits for both patients and providers. No significant financial relationships to disclose.