JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Physical activity has shown beneficial effects in the treatment of breast cancer fatigue, nevertheless a significant portion of patients remain insufficiently physically active after BC. Currently most patients has a smartphone and therefore mobile health (mHealth) holds the promise of promoting health behaviors uptake for many of them.

Objective:

In this study, we explored representations, levers and barriers to physical activity and mHealth interventions among inactive breast cancer patients with fatigue.

Methods:

This was an exploratory, qualitative study including breast cancer patients from a French Cancer Center. Four focus groups with a total of nine patients were conducted; two independent groups of patients were interviewed in two consecutive times, before and after their participation in a 2-week mHealth group experience. We used a thematic content analysis.

Results:

Several physical activity levers emerged including: 1) physical factors such as perception of physical benefit and previous practice, 2) psychological factors such as motivation increased by provider recommendations, 3) social factors such as group practice and 4) organizational factors including pre-planning physical activity sessions. The main barriers to physical activity identified included: 1) late effects of cancer treatment, 2) lack of motivation and 3) lack of time. The lack of familiarity with connected devices was perceived as the main barrier to the use of mHealth as a mean to promote physical activity. The tested mHealth group challenge was associated with several positive representations including: 1) well-being and good habits promotion, 2) motivational catalyzer. Following feedback, there where modifications implemented into the mHealth challenge.

Conclusions:

mHealth-based, easily accessed group challenges were perceived as levers for the practice of physical activity in this population. mHealth-based group challenges should be explored as option to promote physical activity in a population with fatigue after breast cancer. Clinical Trial: NA