Fall-related comorbidity and health beliefs among cancer survivors participating in a community-based exercise intervention

Abstract

Objectives: Health beliefs (HB) and fall and balance-related outcomes were examined following a 26-week communitybased exercise intervention among cancer survivors (CS). Methods: Fall and balance-related measures and HB were quantitatively and qualitatively examined during a 26-week intervention among CS (N = 33). Of the 33 participants, 28 consented to an interview about their physical activity (PA) behavior. Results: Participants scored high on balance efficacy (median ± range = 8.68 ± 1.53) and reported high perception of having barriers to PA (mean ± SD = 4.66 ± 0.59). Fall-related measures improved after the 26-week intervention (p =.002). Most cues to action to engage in PA were delivered by a healthcare professional (N = 18). Once enrolled in the intervention, social benefits and access to a program tailored toward CS emerged as motivating factors to engage in PA (N = 12, N = 11, respectively). Conclusions: There is a need to design fall risk reduction programs tailored to CS and to offer these programs in an environment that fits the unique physical and social needs of CS.