Survivors speak: a qualitative analysis of motivational factors influencing breast cancer survivors' participation in a sprint distance triathlon. J Clin Nurs 2016 Jan;25(1-2):247-56
Date
01/16/2016Pubmed ID
26769212DOI
10.1111/jocn.13067Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84955470886 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 13 CitationsAbstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine motivational factors influencing breast cancer survivors to participate in triathlon training, complete a triathlon and maintain an exercise thereafter.
BACKGROUND: Routine exercise has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce recurrence for breast cancer survivors. Yet physical and psychological factors present barriers for initiating and maintaining an exercise routine. Research is limited in exploring factors of exercise motivation from the survivor's perspective.
DESIGN: Qualitative design using focus groups and individual follow-up phone interviews to explore motivation for exercise initiation and maintenance.
METHODS: One to two weeks after completing a triathlon, 11 breast cancer survivors who trained together participated in one of three focus groups to discuss their experience. Five months post triathlon 6 of the 11 participants were successfully contacted and phone interviews were conducted to explore exercise maintenance. Focus groups and interviews were analysed using content and thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Five themes emerged (1) Champion for Exercise, (2) Part of a Team, (3) Everyone Had a Story, (4) Not Really Exercise and (5) What Do We Do Now? Overall, survivors recognised their need for lifestyle change (e.g. moving from a sedentary lifestyle to a more active one). More importantly, they identified the team approach to exercise initiation was crucial in their success in sustaining a behavioural change.
CONCLUSIONS: Emphasis needed on developing team exercise training programmes for survivors. Nurses can play a critical role in discussing with survivors, the benefits of exercise initiation and maintenance.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Breast cancer survivors are hesitant to initiate routine exercise. Training with women who share a common lived experience increases the likelihood of success. Nurses are in a position to encourage breast cancer survivors to participate in group exercise programmes as a way to improve quality of life.
Author List
Robinson KM, Piacentine LB, Waltke LJ, Ng AV, Tjoe JAAuthors
Alexander V. Ng PhD Associate Professor in the Exercise Science department at Marquette UniversityLinda Piacentine BS,MS,NP,PhD Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing department at Marquette University
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Breast NeoplasmsExercise Therapy
Female
Focus Groups
Humans
Middle Aged
Quality of Life
Survivors
