The Effect of Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectations Training on the Enhancement of Physical Activities Among Women Suffering From Breast Cancer: An Evidence-Based Intervention

Abstract

Background: At present, women tend to have a longer life-expectancy after a diagnosis of breast cancer has been established, primarily due to earlier diagnoses and advances in the treatment of cancer. Unfortunately, because of the complications of medical treatments, women saved from breast cancer experience a considerable level of disability. One of the complications of such treatments is the avoidance of physical activity. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to conduct a training intervention based on the constructs of self-efficacy and outcome expectations in order to enhance the physical activity levels of women suffering from breast cancer. Patients and Methods: The present research was a quasi-experimental study with a randomized control group conducted on 70 womenwith a final diagnosis of breast cancer in Isfahan, Iran (35 patients in each group). The data collection instruments included: (1) Underlying factors questionnaire, (2) self-efficacy in physical activity and outcome expectations measurement, and (3) the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). After collection, the data were entered into SPSS version 19 software. To analyze the data, statistical tests such as the independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square, and analysis of covariance were used. Results: A significant increase in the self-efficacy and outcome expectations in the experimental group was observed one month after the training intervention, and the amount of physical activity showed a significant increase three months after the intervention (P < 0.05, t = 4.1), while the same figures in the control group did not indicate any significant change (P > 0.05, t = 0.2). In addition, changes in mean scores of self-efficacy (58.4 +/- 2.3), outcome expectations (11.3 +/- 1.3), and physical activity (418 +/- 183.5) before and after intervention were significant in the intervention group (P < 0.000). Conclusions: It seems that health education programs based on the assessment of the needs of the patients can positively affect their behavioral motivation and performance in physical activities.