Perception and Performance of Physical Activity Behavior after Head and Neck Cancer Treatment: Exploration and Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Findings

Martine J. Sealy, Martijn M. Stuiver, Julie Midtgaard, Cees P. van der Schans, Jan L. N. Roodenburg and Harriët Jager-Wittenaar
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Martine J. Sealy: Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Petrus Driessenstraat 3, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
Martijn M. Stuiver: Center for Quality of Life, Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Julie Midtgaard: Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Nordstjernevej 41, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
Cees P. van der Schans: Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Petrus Driessenstraat 3, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
Jan L. N. Roodenburg: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
Harriët Jager-Wittenaar: Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Petrus Driessenstraat 3, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 19, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Maintaining or increasing physical activity (PA) may prevent loss of muscle mass and strength after completion of head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. However, the exercise level of HNC patients may not meet PA guidelines. We aimed to explore HNC survivors’ views on PA, their report of PA, and to compare these with objectively measured PA. Combined qualitative and quantitative data of HNC survivors were explored post-treatment. Data from semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and objective measurements of PA were collected, analyzed, and integrated. This resulted in the identification of five themes related to prioritizing, day-to-day life, intention, positive feelings, and social support, respectively, in nine HNC survivors (male: n = 5; age: 52–67 years). Objectively measured PA levels were sedentary to low. The lack of intention to increase PA may be related to HNC survivors’ perception that their current activity level is sufficient, despite low levels of measured PA. While some participants feel they need no help with PA, others are insecure about possible harms. Healthcare professionals may be able to help improve PA in HNC survivors with a tailored approach that reduces fear of harm and helps to incorporate higher intensity PA in daily activities.

Keywords: physical activity; head and neck cancer; mixed methods; perception; cancer survivors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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