Silvie Grote1, Naomi N Modeste2, Diadrey-Anne Sealy3, Salem Dehom4, Heather P Tarleton5. 1. Doctoral student, Center for Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyle and Disease Prevention, School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA;, Email: sgrote@cypresscollege.edu. 2. Emeritus Professor, Center for Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyle and Disease Prevention, School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA. 3. Assistant Professor, School of Science and Technology, University of the Southern Caribbean, St. Joseph, Trinidad and Tobago. 4. Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Loma Linda, CA. 5. Associate Professor, Department of Health and Human Sciences, Seaver College of Science and Engineering, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Health beliefs (HB) and fall and balance-related outcomes were examined following a 26-week community-based exercise intervention among cancer survivors (CS). METHODS: Fall and balance-related measures and HB were quantitatively and qualitatively examined during a 26-week intervention among CS (N = 33). Of the 33 participants, 28 consented to an interview about their physical activity (PA) behavior. RESULTS: Participants scored high on balance efficacy (median ± range = 8.68 ± 1.53) and reported high perception of having barriers to PA (mean ± SD = 4.66 ± 0.59). Fall-related measures improved after the 26-week intervention (p = .002). Most cues to action to engage in PA were delivered by a healthcare professional (N = 18). Once enrolled in the intervention, social benefits and access to a program tailored toward CS emerged as motivating factors to engage in PA (N = 12, N = 11, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to design fall risk reduction programs tailored to CS and to offer these programs in an environment that fits the unique physical and social needs of CS.
OBJECTIVES: Health beliefs (HB) and fall and balance-related outcomes were examined following a 26-week community-based exercise intervention among cancer survivors (CS). METHODS: Fall and balance-related measures and HB were quantitatively and qualitatively examined during a 26-week intervention among CS (N = 33). Of the 33 participants, 28 consented to an interview about their physical activity (PA) behavior. RESULTS:Participants scored high on balance efficacy (median ± range = 8.68 ± 1.53) and reported high perception of having barriers to PA (mean ± SD = 4.66 ± 0.59). Fall-related measures improved after the 26-week intervention (p = .002). Most cues to action to engage in PA were delivered by a healthcare professional (N = 18). Once enrolled in the intervention, social benefits and access to a program tailored toward CS emerged as motivating factors to engage in PA (N = 12, N = 11, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to design fall risk reduction programs tailored to CS and to offer these programs in an environment that fits the unique physical and social needs of CS.