Physical activity patient education needs in cancer care: a cross-sectional study

To assess the desire for information regarding physical activity (PA) among patients with cancer in Tunisia and identify factors associated with this interest.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Medical Oncology Department of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia. A structured face-to-face questionnaire was administered to adult patients with cancer. Collected data included sociodemographic variables, cancer type and stage and whether the patient desired information on PA. Associations between patient characteristics and interest in PA information were evaluated using appropriate statistical tests.

Out of 135 patients, 70 (52%) expressed interest in receiving information on PA. The median age was 58 years, and 80% were under the age of 65. Females constituted 60% of respondents, and 80% were married. Among those interested in PA, the most common cancers were breast and gynaecological (59%). Interest in PA information was significantly associated with younger age (<65 years, p=0.04) and localised disease stage (p=0.03).

Over half of the patients demonstrated a desire for information on PA, especially younger individuals and those with non-metastatic disease. These findings support the integration of tailored educational strategies to promote PA in oncology care.