Advisor(s)
Laura Rogers
Kevin Fontaine
Committee Member(s)
Gregory Pavela
Nataliya Ivankova
Wendy Demark-Wahnefried
School
School of Health Professions
Document Type
Dissertation
Department (new version)
Health Education/Promotion (Public Health)
Date of Award
9-9-2024
Abstract
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can be life-altering, presenting numerous challenges. Breast cancer treatments are effective at allowing women to live longer, but often impose long-term side-effects that survivors must manage for years. Exercise is an effective way to address many long-term side-effects of breast cancer treatment, yet 63-83% of breast cancer survivors do not meet recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines. Due to the complexity of cancer and treatment options, cancer-related factors have potential biopsychosocial impacts that can influence exercise habits, attitudes toward PA (i.e., social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs), and potentially quality of life (QoL). It is imperative to understand 'for whom' and/or 'under what circumstances' interventions are most effective to target specific needs unique to breast cancer survivors, aiding in better survivorship care. To help navigate finding the most effective exercise intervention for breast cancer survivors, a conceptual framework was utilized focusing on SCT constructs (barriers, self-efficacy, social support) associated with PA levels among breast cancer survivors, QoL as an outcome of PA, and whether cancer-related factors affect these associations. Data from breast cancer survivors was collected to evaluate the relationships between SCT constructs and PA levels; PA levels and QoL; and whether those associations may differ depending on cancer-related factors such as, treatment history. Additionally qualitative data was collected via semi-structured interviews exploring how experiencing breast cancer affects women’s QoL and exercise habits. Investigating how cancer-related factors may influence breast cancer survivors’ QoL and PA behaviors can improve interventions promoting PA behavior in breast cancer survivors and enhance tailoring of interventions to patients’ long-term QoL and side-effect management goals. Information gained from this research will also provide oncology clinicians, cancer rehabilitation professionals, and researchers with more useful tools and insight for exercise counseling.
ProQuest ID
Recommended Citation
Schleicher, Erica A., "Understanding Biopsychosocial Influences On Physical Activity And Quality Of Life In Breast Cancer Survivors" (2024). All ETDs from UAB. 7646.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/7646
