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Prevalence and Correlates of Exercise in Testicular Cancer Survivors
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- Author / Creator
- Allen, Spencer James
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Background: The diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer is associated with the development of several physical and psychosocial adverse health outcomes in testicular cancer survivors (TCS). Exercise is one positive health behaviour that may address health concerns resulting from the diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer. However, a significant portion of TCS appear to be insufficiently active and may benefit from further adherence to the combined aerobic and resistance exercise guidelines. No previous studies have examined the correlates of meeting the combined exercise guidelines in TCS using a theory of behaviour. Objective: The purpose of The INTENT Study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of meeting the combined exercise guidelines in TCS using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey assessing self-reported exercise prevalence (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire) and exercise correlates (demographic, clinical, behavioural, TPB and perceived physical fitness variables) was administered to TCS in Alberta, Canada. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of meeting the combined exercise guidelines in TCS. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was used to examine the correlates of intentions to meet the combined exercise guidelines in TCS. Results: Of 2,065 mailed survey invitations, 158 (7.7%) TCS provided complete responses and were included in the analysis. Self-reported exercise prevalence indicated 58% of TCS failed to meet the combined exercise guidelines. Intention to meet the combined guidelines (OR=1.71, p=0.035) and a history of a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) (OR=5.15, p=0.016) were independent correlates of meeting the combined exercise guidelines in multivariable analysis. The TPB variables explained 63% of the variance in intention to meet the combined exercise guidelines with higher instrumental attitude (ß =0.42, p<0.001), self-efficacy (ß =0.40, p<0.001) and affective attitude (ß=0.18, p=0.019) being independent correlates. Conclusion: Findings from the INTENT Study indicate that a significant portion of TCS are insufficiently active and fail to meet the combined exercise guidelines. The TPB appears to be a useful model for understanding the motivational correlates of exercise in TCS. Future intervention studies aiming to increase adherence to the combined exercise guidelines in TCS should focus on developing strong intentions by targeting instrumental attitudes, self-efficacy and affective attitudes.
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- Graduation date
- Spring 2024
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.