title: Evaluation of a social cognitive theory-based email intervention designed to influence the physical activity of survivors of breast cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to evaluate a 12-week social cognitive theory (SCT)-based email intervention designed to influence the physical activity of survivors of breast cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-four volunteers (intervention group, n = 36; control group, n = 38) were recruited by mass email and written letter solicitation. Participants completed a series of online questionnaires measuring demographic characteristics, physical activity readiness, level of physical activity and selected SCT variables at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. The intervention group received email messages based on SCT designed specifically for breast cancer survivors and targeting physical activity. For the first 6 weeks of the intervention, participants assigned to the intervention group received messages weekly, from weeks 7 to 12, participants received messages every other week and had access to an e-counselor. The control group did not receive email messages, nor did they have access to an e-counselor.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant differences in levels of self-reported vigorous physical activity were found between groups at 6 and 12 weeks. Significant differences were also found for self-reported moderate physical activity at 12 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Email-based interventions based on SCT can significantly influence levels of self-reported physical activity of breast cancer survivors.
authors.affiliation: The University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA. axh6653@louisiana.edu
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hatchett
authors.forename: Jeffrey S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Hallam
authors.forename: M Allison
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ford
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition; D034742:Electronic Mail; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*