Determinants of exercise during colorectal cancer treatment: an application of the theory of planned behavior.
OBJECTIVE
To examine determinants of exercise during colorectal cancer treatment using the theory of planned behavior.


METHODS
A retrospective survey.


METHODS
Cancer Registry of Alberta, Canada.


METHODS
Randomly selected survivors of colorectal cancer (N = 110) diagnosed between 1992 and 1995 who had undergone adjuvant therapy. Participants' ages ranged from 26 to 77 years (mean = 61 years; SD = 11), 63% were male, and 85% were disease stage II or III.


METHODS
Initial open-ended elicitation questionnaire to determine salient beliefs, a mailed main questionnaire, a postcard reminder one week later, and a second questionnaire three weeks later. Exercise was assessed by the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire.


METHODS
Exercise during cancer treatment, intention, perceived behavioral control, attitude, subjective norm, and salient beliefs.


RESULTS
Exercise during cancer treatment was determined by intention and perceived behavioral control. Intention was determined solely by attitude. Salient beliefs about exercise were different for patients with cancer as compared to a healthy population.


CONCLUSIONS
The theory of planned behavior may be a viable framework on which to base interventions to promote exercise in patients with colorectal cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Oncology nurses need to have an understanding of motivational factors related to exercise during cancer treatment to be able to assist patients with cancer to initiate and maintain exercise.
Courneya
K S
KS
Faculty of Physical Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Friedenreich
C M
CM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies