PURPOSE
To measure the degree of physical activity among breast cancer survivors and to identify how it was influenced by social cognitive factors, as defined in Bandura's social cognitive theory.
METHODS
A total of 128 breast cancer survivors were recruited for this descriptive study and answered the survey questionnaire. The collected data covered general characteristics, physical activity, and social cognitive factors, such as self-efficacy, outcome expectations, goal setting, and socio-structural factors (social support and negative impact of cancer). Data collection was conducted from July to October 2017.
RESULTS
The degree of physical activity among breast cancer survivors was moderate. The participants' level of physical activity differed according to their Body Mass Index (BMI) and type of surgery. Physical activity was significantly correlated with exercise goal setting, exercise self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and family support. Exercise goal setting (β=.55, p<.001), BMI (kg/m2) (β=−.21, p=.003), and exercise self-efficacy (β=.15, p=.040) were identified as factors influencing physical activity.
CONCLUSION
Intervention programs to increase the degree of physical activity among breast cancer survivors will need to consider various aspects, including goal setting, BMI regulation, and self-efficacy improvement. Repeated studies on the social recognition of breast cancer survivors and extended studies on health promotion activities are recommended.

Citations

• Predictor Scales of Cognitive Factors Affecting Physical Activity in Individuals Surviving Cancer: Psychometric Properties of Turkish Versions
  Şura Kaya, Melek Nihal Esin
  Rehabilitation Oncology.2025; 43(1): 10.     CrossRef
• Using the transtheoretical model of behaviour change to analyse the impact of stopping exercise: a reflection
  Lucy Scott, Tanya Andrewes
  British Journal of Nursing.2021; 30(20): 1203.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
Korean elderly women residing in rural areas still appear to be marginalized from health services for cancer prevention. The purposes of this study were to measure the degrees of colorectal cancer (CRC) knowledge, health literacy, and self-management behaviors among the elderly women in rural areas and to identify the influences of their CRC knowledge and health literacy on self-management behaviors.
METHODS
Total 121 elderly women aged 65 or older living in rural areas were recruited for this descriptive study and answered survey questionnaires.
RESULTS
The participants' mean age was 78.2±7.51 years old. Of participants, 49.6% completed CRC screening and age of non-screening group was significantly older than that of screening group (χ²=35.31, p < .001). The screening group showed higher levels of CRC knowledge (t=3.76, p < .001) and cancer preventive behaviors (t=2.68, p=.008) than non-screening group. Age (B=0.15) and CRC knowledge (B=-0.36) were identified as influencing factors on the CRC screening. Health literacy (β=.37) and CRC knowledge (β=.30) were found as the most influencing factors on the cancer preventive behaviors.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study could be used as a basis for developing educational interventions and effective strategies specifically for the elderly women residing rural areas in Korea.

Citations

• Structural Equation Modeling Analysis on Health Literacy and Cancer Prevention Behaviors among Medically-Underserved, Low-Income Populations
  Eun Jin Kim, Su Hyun Kim
  Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing.2021; 28(1): 83.     CrossRef
• Factors Influencing the Self-management Behaviors of the Elderly with Hypertension in the Local Community
  Jeongju Hong
  Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.2021; 32(3): 303.     CrossRef
• Associations among Health Literacy, Psychosocial Factors, and Cancer-related Health Actions: A Systematic Literature Review
  Eun Jin Kim, Su Hyun Kim
  Korean Journal of Adult Nursing.2018; 30(6): 565.     CrossRef