Factors that affect intention to avoid strenuous arm activity after breast cancer surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the factors that contribute to women's intention to avoid strenuous arm activity after breast cancer surgery.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Three hospitals located in eastern Australia.


METHODS
175 patients with breast cancer.


METHODS
A survey, based on Protection Motivation Theory, was used to assess whether treatment variables, demographic variables, arm advice, fear, or coping attributes predicted women's intentions to avoid strenuous arm activity.


METHODS
Intention to avoid strenuous arm activity, presence of arm or chest symptoms, receipt of arm care advice, and fear of lymphedema.


RESULTS
Seventy percent of participants reported an intention to avoid strenuous activity with their affected arm and reported more arm and chest symptoms than participants who did not avoid strenuous arm activity. Women who perceived that they were vulnerable to lymphedema and women who received advice about arm care were more likely to avoid strenuous arm activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Fear of lymphedema and receipt of arm care advice motivated women's intention to avoid strenuous arm activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Information about lymphedema distributed to patients by healthcare professionals should be updated to reflect evidence and address the risk of developing lymphedema relevant to the patients' surgery.
Lee
Teresa S
TS
Physiotherapy Discipline, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. teresa_s_lee@optusnet.com
Kilbreath
Sharon L
SL
Sullivan
Gerard
G
Refshauge
Kathryn M
KM
Beith
Jane M
JM
Harris
Lynne M
LM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors