title: The contribution of general and cancer-related variables in explaining physical activity in a breast cancer population 3 weeks to 6 months post-treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Physical activity determinants are subject to change when confronted with the diagnosis of 'cancer' and new cancer-related determinants appear. The aim of the present study is to compare the contribution of cancer-related determinants with more general ones in explaining physical activity 3 weeks to 6 months post-treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A theory-based and validated questionnaire was used to identify physical activity levels (total and domain-specific) and associated determinants among 464 breast cancer survivors (aged 18 to 65 years) 3 weeks to 6 months post-treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Descriptive analyses showed higher scores for general determinants in comparison with cancer-related determinants. Nevertheless, regression analyses showed that both general and cancer-related determinants explained total and domain-specific physical activity. Self-efficacy, enjoyment, social support, lack of time and lack of company were important general determinants. The perception of returning to normal life, cancer-related barriers (fatigue, lack of energy and physical side effects) and self-efficacy in overcoming these barriers were important cancer-related determinants. Although results differed according to the women's working status and the physical activity domain, general self-efficacy explained most physical activity types in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Comparable with the general population, enhancing breast cancer survivors' self-efficacy in being sufficiently physically active seems to be important in physical activity interventions post-treatment. However, interventions should be tailored to the experienced symptoms and working status of the women.
authors: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
authors: Caroline
authors: C
authors: Charlier
authors: Elke
authors: E
authors: Van Hoof
authors: Evelyn
authors: E
authors: Pauwels
authors: Lilian
authors: L
authors: Lechner
authors: Heleen
authors: H
authors: Spittaels
authors: Ilse
authors: I
authors: De Bourdeaudhuij
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001530:Belgium; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015444:Exercise; D005221:Fatigue; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult