Physical activity self‐efficacy mediates the effect of symptom distress on exercise involvement among adolescents undergoing cancer treatment

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine whether physical activity self‐efficacy mediated the adverse effect of symptom distress on exercise involvement among adolescents undergoing cancer treatment. A secondary data analysis approach was used to analyse a pooled sample of 97 adolescents who were undergoing cancer treatment in paediatric oncology/haematology wards and ambulatory settings in northern Taiwan. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the mediation relationship among physical activity self‐efficacy, symptom distress and exercise involvement. The total effect (path c) (p < 0.001), the indirect effect (paths a and b) (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) and the direct effect (path c′) (p < 0.001) were significant. The bootstrapping test was significant (95% CI: −0.356 to −0.016), indicating that physical activity self‐efficacy partially mediated the adverse effect of symptom distress on exercise involvement after adjusting for age, gender and cancer diagnosis. Physical activity self‐efficacy partially mediates the relationship between symptom distress and exercise involvement for adolescents undergoing cancer treatment. There is an imperative need for healthcare professionals to design interventions to enhance these adolescents' physical activity self‐efficacy, increase their exercise involvement and thus improve their quality of life.

Intelligent physical activity versus modified behavioral activation in adolescent and young adult cancer patients with psychological distress: A randomized, controlled pilot trial

“…There is a significant relationship between social support and physical activity participation 53 . A mediating effect of physical activity self‐efficacy on the relationship between symptom distress and exercise participation in AYACPs who are undergoing cancer treatment 54 . Previous studies mostly showed the maintenance effect of physical activity program 2 months after the intervention 55 .…”

“… 53 A mediating effect of physical activity self‐efficacy on the relationship between symptom distress and exercise participation in AYACPs who are undergoing cancer treatment. 54 Previous studies mostly showed the maintenance effect of physical activity program 2 months after the intervention. 55 Despite the small difference in the extension time, it still provides a realistic basis for the long‐term maintenance of the exercise program intervention effect.…”

Benefícios Da Atividade Física No Tratamento Do Câncer

“…O estudo 29 evidenciou mais dados sobre pacientes com leucemia. Contudo, o mesmo abordando outros cânceres, em conjunto como o linfoma não-Hodgkin, osteossarcoma e tumores cerebrais em adolescente entre 13 e 20 anos.…”

Current approaches to management of bone sarcoma in adolescent and young adult patients

“…Access to rehabilitation services, assistance in resuming progress on achieving life skills, and psychosocial support are all vital parts of effective follow‐up to restoring quality of life for AYA patients 94 . Screening to identify rehabilitation needs and physical rehabilitation with exercise and physical activity prescription improves physical sequelae of therapy, with a resultant positive impact on well‐being and quality of life 95–97 . The psychological, social, and physical needs of AYA sarcoma survivors require a personalized approach and holistic guidance and care from a proactive multidisciplinary team that understands psychological adaptation and recovery as dynamic systems 98 …”