Internet-Based Supportive Education Intervention to Physical Activity of Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Cancer survivors are at risk of decreasing health and psychosocial problems. Physical activity can reduce the risk of recurrence, death, and negative effects of cancer treatment. Severalstudies have investigated how the use of internet technology can increase the physical activity of survivors of cancer. The purpose of this review is to explore and identify the types of internet-based supportive education interventions to increase the physical activity of cancer survivors. We followed the methodology for scoping studies which consists of identifying the research question, locating relevant studies, selecting studies, charting the data, and collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. The search method used several electronic databases namely Google Scholar, Proquest, PubMed, and Scopus. Articles obtained from keywords: internet-based; supportive education; physical activity; cancer survivors. The inclusion criteria are: peer reviewed articles, publication year from 2008 to 2018 and has a minimal research design quasi experiment. Out of 5375 original articles identified in the literature search, 15 articles were analysed. Online support groups are the most frequently studied method of educational intervention, followed by interactive messages and webforums. Most studies showed improved results on intensity of physical activity. Online groups can improve the wellbeing of survivors of cancer by providing opportunities to engage in social networking, connect with others with similar cancer experiences, and obtain cancer related information. Based on the findings of this review. Supportive education through internet technology approaches can encourage increased physical activity and changes in health behavior of survivors of cancer. Future research should consider the potential role of social media in addressing the unmet needs of survivors of cancer and in particular the implications for clinical and public health practice