Social Cognitive Constructs Did Not Mediate the BEAT Cancer Intervention Effects on Objective Physical Activity...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Physical activity is crucial for breast cancer survivors' well-being.
• Many survivors do not meet recommended physical activity levels.
• Identifying mediators of physical activity behavior change is key for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Better Exercise Adherence after Treatment for Cancer (BEAT Cancer) intervention's impact on social cognitive theory constructs.
• To assess the mediating role of these constructs in physical activity changes.
• To determine intervention effects on accelerometer-measured physical activity.

Main Methods:

• 222 breast cancer survivors were randomized to the BEAT Cancer intervention or usual care.
• Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 months (M3), and 6 months (M6).
• Intervention effects on self-efficacy, outcome expectations, goal setting, and perceived barriers were analyzed using linear mixed models and path analysis.

Main Results:

• The BEAT Cancer intervention significantly improved self-efficacy, goal setting, negative outcome expectations, and perceived barriers.
• The intervention group showed significant improvements in self-efficacy and reductions in perceived barriers.
• No statistically significant indirect effects were found, meaning changes in social cognitive constructs did not mediate the intervention's effect on physical activity.

Conclusions:

• The BEAT Cancer intervention effectively improved social cognitive constructs related to physical activity.
• Despite improvements in mediators, the intervention did not lead to statistically significant indirect effects on physical activity 3 months post-intervention.
• Further investigation is needed to optimize interventions for increasing physical activity in breast cancer survivors.