Understanding the physical activity, body image, and quality of life experiences for young adult males living with and beyond cancer.
Date
2024-05-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Purpose: For young adults (YA), cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatments may result in physical changes that can negatively impact both body image (BI) and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Physical activity (PA) is an evidence-based tool that has been found to impact both BI and HRQL. However, most research to date has focused on the perspectives of older females and males. To address this gap in the literature, we explored the experiences of PA, BI, and HRQL in YA males living with and beyond cancer. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted with YA males (biological sex or those who identify as males) diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 20-39. Eligible participants were recruited through pre-existing exercise oncology studies, support organizations, and social media. Self-reported questionnaires assessed PA (modified Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), BI (Body Image Scale), and HRQL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General). Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize the sample characteristics and questionnaire data. Semi-structured interviews, analyzed using interpretive description, facilitated a deeper understanding of the participants’ experiences of PA, BI, and HRQL. Results: Participants (n= 9; mean age= 33.1 ± 3.6) participated in 180 minutes of physical activity/week (range= 0 – 720 minutes) and reported a leisure score index of 19 (range= 15 – 90), which is considered moderately active. Participants demonstrated low to moderate BI dissatisfaction (range= 11 – 17; median=14) and above average HRQL scores (range= 62 – 79; median= 68). Themes developed from interviews (n= 7) included (1) loss of identity due to cancer, (2) building autonomy and identity using PA, and (3) the “should” behind BI. Conclusion: Based on the findings from this study, PA for YA males may support rebuilding one’s identity and BI. Development of exercise oncology resources for young males may consider addressing BI (through education or programming, such as exercise prescription), with the ultimate goal of enhancing HRQL.
Description
Keywords
Exercise Oncology, Physical Activity, Body Image, Quality of Life, Young Adult
Citation
Dhruva, T. (2024). Understanding the physical activity, body image, and quality of life experiences for young adult males living with and beyond cancer (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.