Characteristics of (non-)participants in a blended Internet-based physical activity trial for breast and prostate cancer survivors. Are survivors capable of self-selecting for online trial participation? : cross-sectional study
ABSTRACT
Background:
As the number of cancer survivors is increasing, it is important to be able to offer exercise- and physical activity (PA) -promoting interventions that are both effective and reasonably accessible. Internet-based interventions are typically less expensive and more accessible alternatives to on-site supervised interventions. To date, little is known about characteristics of non-participants in PA promotion trials in cancer survivorship in general, and specifically for trials using Internet-supported interventions.
Objective:
To gain insight into characteristics associated with (non-)participation in a blended Internet-based supported intervention trial to promote physical activity.
Methods:
Breast and prostate cancer survivors, 3-36 months after primary curative treatment, were invited for the PABLO-trial, in which an internet-based intervention to enhance levels physical activity (PA) - with or without additional support from a physical therapist - is compared to usual care. Participants and non-participants were asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire assessing e.g. sociodemographics, fatigue and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Baseline data were compared between participants and non-participants using independent Student’s t-tests and chi-square statistics.
Results:
Inclusion rate in the trial was 11% (137). 13.9% of the non-participants completed the questionnaire. Participants were higher educated (P = 0.04), less often had a paid job (P = 0.03), but more often ill from work (P = 0.03). They reported less PA p/w; both moderate (P = 0.03) and vigorous (P < 0.01) before diagnosis and during leisure time (P < 0.01, ES = 0.44). They reported significantly lower stage of change (P ≤ 0.01), lower self-efficacy (P < 0.01, ES = 0.61) more perceived barriers towards PA (P < 0.01, ES = 0.54) and more fatigue, e.g. general fatigue (P < 0.01, ES = 0.60). For HRQoL, participants reported e.g. more limitations in physical role functioning (P < 0.01, ES = 0.47). No significant differences were found for other sociodemographics, mood state, attitude or perceived social support for PA.
Conclusions:
A subgroup of patients with lower PA levels prior to diagnoses and a stronger need for support self-selected for trial participation. Clinical Trial: Netherlands trial register (NTR6911), December 21, 2017
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