A RESEARCH STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERNET TOOLS ASSISTED FACILITIES AND STANDARD LETTER RECOMMENDATION TO IMPROVE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG CANCER SURVIVORS

Objective: The aim of this research was to assess the efficacy of internet tools (print-based facilities) for the improvement of physical activities among the survivors of cancer in comparison with standard letter recommendations. Physical activity improvement was hypothesized through self-efficacy and pre-diagnosis of physical activity. Methods and Patients: This the design of the research was cost-consequence analysis and RCT which was carried out at Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam from August 2018 to February 2019 on adults who survived from cancer and also became physically active. We treated 104 patients with print-based intervention with the support of internet tools and 103 patients with standard letter recommendation. Interventional arm physical activity and maintenance were respectively evaluated at 12th and 24th Week. We also completed cost-analysis and required a number for the treatment. Results: Over the time period of twelve weeks 36.9% of patients improved their physical activity along with control arm (9.1%). Interventional arm physical activity was also maintained at 24th week. Interventions were required among 6.29% survivors of cancer; whereas, one improved his physical activity through a standard letter of recommendation. Per person delivery cost of the intervention was (£8.19). Self-efficacy and pre-diagnosis of physical activity did not predict the improvement in physical efficacy. Conclusion: Print-based intervention with internet tools support is a low-cost approach to improve physical activity among survivors of cancer. Keywords: Cancer, Behaviour Change, Support, Internet, Low-Cost, Print Based Intervention, Physical Activity and Maintenance