OBJECTIVE: In this study, the authors explored the association between dispositional cancer worry (DCW), risk perceptions (RP), and physical activity (PA) among college females. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred fifty-one females from a midwestern university completed an online survey in September/October 2012. METHODS: DCW severity, DCW frequency, RP, and PA were measured along with qualitative data about PA as cancer prevention. RESULTS: Sixty-nine percent of participants did not meet PA recommendations. DCW severity was a significant predictor of meeting PA recommendations (odds ratio = 1.2, 95% confidence interval [1.00, 1.38]; p = .05). Qualitative data revealed a lack of knowledge about breast cancer risk and PA as cancer prevention. CONCLUSIONS: College women do not engage in enough PA nor feel at risk for developing breast cancer. A lack of knowledge exists about the cancer prevention benefit of PA. Results indicate a need for PA interventions that both educate breast cancer risk and motivate health protective behaviors.
OBJECTIVE: In this study, the authors explored the association between dispositional cancer worry (DCW), risk perceptions (RP), and physical activity (PA) among college females. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred fifty-one females from a midwestern university completed an online survey in September/October 2012. METHODS:DCW severity, DCW frequency, RP, and PA were measured along with qualitative data about PA as cancer prevention. RESULTS: Sixty-nine percent of participants did not meet PA recommendations. DCW severity was a significant predictor of meeting PA recommendations (odds ratio = 1.2, 95% confidence interval [1.00, 1.38]; p = .05). Qualitative data revealed a lack of knowledge about breast cancer risk and PA as cancer prevention. CONCLUSIONS: College women do not engage in enough PA nor feel at risk for developing breast cancer. A lack of knowledge exists about the cancer prevention benefit of PA. Results indicate a need for PA interventions that both educate breast cancer risk and motivate health protective behaviors.
Entities:
Keywords:
cancer; cancer worry; health education; physical activity; risk perception
Authors: Tanya R Berry; Kimberley D Curtin; Kerry S Courneya; Kerry R McGannon; Colleen M Norris; Wendy M Rodgers; John C Spence Journal: Health Psychol Open Date: 2016-07-04
Authors: Shelbie D Stahr; Gail A Runnells; Lora J Rogers; Pearl A McElfish; Susan A Kadlubar; L Joseph Su Journal: Transl Cancer Res Date: 2019-07 Impact factor: 1.241