Using the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction to Understand Female Breast Cancer Survivors’ Barriers and Facilitators for Adherence to a Community-Based Group-Exercise Program

Objectives: To identify facilitators and barriers associated with adherence to the EXPINKT exercise program for breast cancer survivors in a convenience sample of women. Data Sources: Focus groups discussions; The Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction. Conclusion: Findings suggest that program adherence could be achieved by the establishment, via staff and processes, of a positive and safe exercise environment, which instills a sense of accountability while developing exercise self-efficacy. Further, multiple referral pathways and promotion of exercise benefit during and following treatment by oncology nurses may assist in enrolment in the program. Implications for Nursing Practice: Oncology nurses may play a unique role in informing and stimulating female breast cancer survivors to partake in breast cancer-specific exercise programs. Results of this study show that most women are unaware of the benefits related to exercising in relation to cancer recovery, as well as the existence of breast cancer-specific exercise programs. Therefore, oncology nurses may play an important role in creating this awareness. Furthermore, shaping a route to adherence to such exercise programs is essential for breast cancer survivors to become and stay sufficiently active.

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