Perceived barriers and facilitators to physical activity in kidney transplant recipients.
BACKGROUND
Relatively few transplant recipients participate in regular physical activity. There is a paucity of information regarding barriers and facilitators to physical activity in kidney transplant recipients.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate factors that transplant recipients perceive as barriers and facilitators to physical activity and whether these barriers and facilitators differ on the basis of transplant patients' reported level of physical activity.


METHODS
Using a descriptive, cross-sectional design, a convenience sample of 100 kidney transplant recipients provided survey data on a physical activity questionnaire on their current levels of physical activity and determinants that influence participation in physical activity.


RESULTS
The "rarely/never" (32%) physical activity group reported more frequent barriers and the "often" (20%) group reported the least. Overall, perceived facilitators were reported most frequently by the "often" (80%) physical activity group and least by the "rarely/never" (67%) group.


CONCLUSIONS
Motivational interventions should focus on diminishing perceived barriers in the less physically active transplant recipients and enhancing perception of health-related facilitators. Nurses should be innovative in customizing interventions, recommending structured physical activity programs, and encouraging less structured, enjoyable ways to increase activities that expend energy. Interventions with achievable outcomes and realistic expectations are more acceptable to patients.
Sánchez
Zoila V
ZV
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
Cashion
Ann K
AK
Cowan
Patricia A
PA
Jacob
Susan R
SR
Wicks
Mona N
MN
Velasquez-Mieyer
Pedro
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D014481:United States