title: The impact of cancer and its treatment on physical activity levels and behavior in Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research indicates that regular physical activity is associated with numerous physiological and psychological health benefits for childhood cancer survivors. A review of the literature reveals that no study has so far examined the physical activity levels and behavior of Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors, and how the cancer and its treatment affect the physical activity and other behavior of these children remains unclear.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to assess the physical activity levels of Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors and to explore the factors that affect their adherence to and maintenance of regular physical activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was used. A total of 128 childhood cancer survivors (9-16-year-olds) who underwent medical follow-up in the outpatient clinic were invited to participate in the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant decline in physical activity levels among childhood cancer survivors. Most of them did not take physical exercise regularly. Concern about academic performance, fatigue, and a decrease in physical strength and endurance after remission prevented them from engaging in regular physical activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study indicates that many childhood cancer survivors did not engage in regular physical activity and that they overlooked or underestimated its importance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is essential for nurses to correct misconceptions about physical activity among childhood cancer survivors and their parents and, most importantly, to advocate the principle of regular physical activity for these children, with the aim of enhancing their physical and psychological well-being.
authors.affiliation: Author Affiliations: School of Nursing, Lee Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong (Mss Chung and Ho and Dr Li); Paediatric Oncology Unit, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China (Ms Chiu); Research Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Practice, Nursing and Midwifery Practice, Australian National University, Woden, Australia (Dr Lopez).
authors.forename: O K Joyce
authors.initials: OK
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Ho Cheung William
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Sau Ying
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Chiu
authors.forename: Ka Yan Eva
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Violeta
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lopez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010045:Outpatients; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors; D016896:Treatment Outcome