The impact of cancer and its treatments on physical activity level, behaviour and quality of life in young Hong Kong Chinese cancer patients

BACKGROUND: Research indicates that regular physical activity is associated with numerous physiological and psychological health benefits for young cancer patients. A review of the literature reveals that no study has so far examined the physical activity levels in young Hong Kong Chinese cancer patients. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to compare the pre-morbid and current physical activity levels of young Hong Kong Chinese cancer patients, and to compare the physical activity and self-efficacy levels and the quality of life of such patients (current status) with their healthy counterparts. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 76 young cancer patients (9- to 18-year-olds) who were admitted for cancer treatment in a paediatric oncology unit and 148 healthy counterparts of similar age were invited to participate in the study. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that young Hong Kong Chinese cancer patients with cancer in current situation had significantly decreased levels of physical activity when compared with the premorbid situation or the healthy counterparts. Young cancer patients also presented significantly lower levels of physical activity, self-efficacy, stage of change for exercise and quality of life than the healthy participants. In addition, a high positive correlation between self-efficacy and physical activity among the cancer patients was found. Their quality of life was also correlated highly with physical activity levels and self-efficacy. Furthermore, the results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that physical activity is an important indicator of quality of life among young cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS: The study indicated that many young cancer patients did not engage in regular physical activity. It is essential for nurses to advocate the principle of regular physical activity for these patients to enhance their physical and psychological well-being