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Determinants of breast and gynecologic cancer survivors’ intention to adopt a healthy post?treatment lifestyle
Abstract
After active cancer treatment comes to an end, women can encounter multiple challenges in adopting a healthy lifestyle, despite the well-established benefits of doing so. The objective of this study was to identify the determinants of the intention to engage in regular physical activity and consume vegetables and fruits on a daily basis among breast cancer or gynecologic cancer survivors in Quebec’s Chaudière-Appalaches region. A total of 105 women with a mean age of 62 years old, who had completed active treatment within the previous year, took part in a correlational study on this topic, filling out a self-administered online questionnaire based on the reasoned action approach. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that 87% (p < .0001) of the variance in the intention to eat vegetables and fruits every day over the course of a month was explained by attitude and perceived control (together accounting for 82%), past behaviour (2%), and singlehood, university education and annual income (2%). Attitude and perceived control were also associated with the intention to engage in physical activity (R2 = 79%, p < .0001), as was past behaviour (2%). No clinical variable significantly influenced the intention to adopt either of these behaviours. These results will guide post-treatment care used to encourage women to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
https://doi.org/10.5737/23688076362165
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