Barriers and facilitators to the engagement of physical activity among Black and African American cancer survivors during and after treatments

Abstract

Purpose To identify physical activity (PA) barriers and facilitators among Black and African American (Black/AA) cancer survivors that should be considered in future PA intervention development for this population. Methods A community advisory board (CAB) of Black/AA cancer survivors and patient advocates guided in-depth qualitative interviews ( n = 19) that were completed via telephone using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using directed content analysis to detail a report of PA barriers and facilitators during and after cancer treatment. The CAB reviewed and interpreted these barriers and facilitators to identify the final results. Results Survivors ( n = 19) of nine different types of cancer completed interviews. PA barriers during cancer treatments included physical and psychological suffering. PA barriers after cancer treatments included social and environmental constraints (e.g., lack of access needed for PA, safety concerns, and competing priorities). PA facilitators both during and after cancer treatments included family support, faith, and support from other survivors. PA facilitators during treatment also included feeling better after doing PA, setting realistic and flexible goals, and gaining a sense of control of one’s health by striving for PA goals. Conclusions To increase PA among Black/AA cancer survivors, PA interventions are needed that address structural barriers, include the role of faith, leverage family support, highlight the psychological benefits of PA, and use goal setting. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-023-07601-0.

“No one told me”: exploring factors influencing physical activity participation in Black Nova Scotian cancer survivors

“…. One step at a time Similar to Hirschey et al (26) participants in this study reported treatment related side effects (e.g., fatigue, pain), emotional wellbeing (". .…”

“…Notably, compared to white CS, Black CS have been shown to be less likely to meet the recommended exercise guidelines (13). However, few studies have examined differences in CS physical activity and exercise behaviors by race/ethnicity (26) and none have explored this relationship in a Canadian context. Nova Scotia, a small province in Canada of ∼1 million people, is home to a unique population (2.3%) of peoples of African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) descent, and is said to be the birthplace of Black culture in Canada (27-29).…”