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Improving Physical Activity Behaviors Among Childhood Cancer Survivors Through an Educational Intervention: A
Jiaoyang Cai1,2, Yin Ting Cheung3,4, Jiajia Zheng5
1Hematology & Oncology Follow-up Center, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology of China Ministry of Health, Shanghai, China.
A family-centered education program improved physical activity and cognition in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). This intervention enhanced parental awareness and family support, supporting its integration into survivorship care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Health Behavior Change
Background:
- Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) face long-term cardiopulmonary and functional risks, yet have low physical activity levels.
- Limited scalable interventions exist for routine survivorship care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- This study addresses the need for effective physical activity interventions for CCS in China.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a brief, family-centered educational intervention for CCS in China.
- To improve physical activity behaviors and exercise-related cognition in CCS.
- To assess changes in family support and parental awareness of health risks.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods, single-arm educational intervention was conducted with CCS and caregivers.
- Physical activity was assessed using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and PAQ-C/A.
- Exercise cognition, family support, and parental awareness were measured using Health Belief Model (HBM) and Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) items.
- Semi-structured interviews explored participant experiences.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total physical activity.
- Exercise-related cognition, including perceived benefits and severity of inactivity, showed enhancement.
- Parental awareness of cardiopulmonary risks increased, alongside improved family support and caregiver exercise habits.
Conclusions:
- A brief, family-centered educational intervention effectively improved physical activity and cognition in CCS.
- The intervention enhanced parental awareness and family support, crucial for long-term survivorship.
- Findings support integrating scalable exercise education into routine survivorship care for CCS.
