Development of an instrument to measure adherence to strength training in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a theory-based instrument for assessing barriers and motivators to strength- or weight-training exercise (SWTE) in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors with measurable bone loss after treatment.


METHODS
Exploratory, descriptive, and methodologic.


METHODS
Academic oncology clinics in the midwestern United States, homes, and a fitness center.


METHODS
85 women, predominantly Caucasian (99%), breast cancer survivors, aged 35-75 years, six months after treatment, who were enrolled in a larger study were randomized to receive SWTE; 65 completed the instrument.


METHODS
Development of a 47-item Likert-type instrument using interviews, contributions from experts, published research, and Self-Efficacy Theory.


METHODS
Barriers and motivators of adherence to SWTE.


RESULTS
Four subscales emerged that accounted for 26%-59% of the variance. Factor subscales for barriers were "not prioritizing time for self" and "overcoming other barriers to adherence." Subscales for motivators included "education and feedback" and "social support."


CONCLUSIONS
The final instrument contained 47 items dispersed across four subscales. Additional psychometric testing of the instrument with a larger population is indicated.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses and healthcare professionals may use the instrument to readily identify barriers and motivators to SWTE adherence to improve program design and implementation efforts aimed at facilitating enhanced exercise adherence in breast cancer survivors with measurable bone loss after treatment.
Huberty
Jennifer L
JL
Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, College of Education, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. jenniferwhite@mail.unomaha.edu
Vener
Jamie
J
Waltman
Nancy
N
Ott
Carol
C
Twiss
Janice
J
Gross
Gloria
G
McGuire
Rita
R
Dwyer
Andrew
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000295:instrumentation; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D055070:Resistance Training; D020377:Self Efficacy; D017741:Survivors