Barriers to physical activity participation in colorectal cancer patients during chemotherapy treatment: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the barriers that colorectal cancer patients (stage II and III) perceive to participate in physical activity (PA) when involved in adjuvant chemotherapy. Views of relatives and physicians concerning this issue were also included. Method: Qualitative data from ten patients, ten relatives, and ten health professionals were obtained through semi-structured interviews (n = 30). Results: Two main themes were identified after data analysis: (a) barriers to PA related to ostomy and adjuvant chemotherapy and (b) barriers related to perceived lack of support for PA. In regard to the first theme, participants reported difficulties associated with the ostomy, limitations of the intravenous chemotherapy device, fatigue and reduced physical fitness, and focusing on cancer and restructuring priorities. Concerning the perceived lack of support for PA, participants referred to their families' overprotection, the health professionals’ lack of knowledge and time to prescribe PA, and the lack of PA services in health centres. Conclusions: Further information from health professionals about the recommendations of PA and its benefits during adjuvant chemotherapy could palliate these PA barriers. The offer of specific PA programmes for these patients is also recommended.