Beliefs about the Benefits and Barriers to Physical Activity Promotion for Cancer Patients among Nurses in Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.47836//mjmhs18.4.18
- Author:
Teh Hui Li
1
;
Azlina Yusuf
1
Author Information
1. Nursing Programme, School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Benefit, Exercise, Physical activity, Nurses, Cancer
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2022;18(No.4):128-134
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Physical activity (PA) can improve survival and quality of life in chronic diseases including cancer.
Given the scarcity of research on nurses’ beliefs that used a psychology perspective, the purpose of this study was
to determine nurses’ beliefs about the benefits and barriers to physical activity promotion for cancer patients at a
tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on nurses (n=104) at one
Malaysian tertiary teaching hospital, using a simple random sampling method. A self-administered online questionnaire was surveyed from January until March 2021. The data was analysed using Pearson correlation analysis and
an independent T-test with a significant level of p ≤.0.05. Results: 80.8% of nurses perceived the benefits of physical
activity promotion for improving mental health in cancer patients. Lack of time (30.8%), patients appearing tired or
unwilling to cooperate (20.2%), and a lack of knowledge (16.3%) were the barriers to physical activity. There was no
correlation between beliefs about the benefits of physical activity promotion and age (p=0.908), working experience
(p=0.982), ward type (p=0.666) or the average number of cancer patients cared (p=0.144). Conclusion: Nurses’
perspectives on the benefits of physical activity promotion for cancer patients support the use of planned behaviour
theory for evidence-based nursing practice. There were, however, barriers to encouraging cancer patients to engage
in physical activity. As a result, as a setting for health promotion, the tertiary teaching hospital must raise awareness,
facilitate, and encourage nurses to engage in physical activity promotion behaviours.
- Full text:11.2022my1306.pdf
