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. 2007 Apr;12(4):289-93.
doi: 10.1093/pch/12.4.289.

An examination of the beliefs, attitudes and counselling practices of paediatric oncologists toward physical activity: A provincial survey

Melanie R Keats  1 , S Nicole Culos-Reed, Kerry S Courneya
Affiliations

An examination of the beliefs, attitudes and counselling practices of paediatric oncologists toward physical activity: A provincial survey

Melanie R Keats et al. Paediatr Child Health. 2007 Apr.

Abstract
in English, French

Background: With an increasing population of childhood cancer survivors and a growing recognition of the long-term effects of diagnosis and treatment, it is imperative that modifiable risk factors for long-term health and disease comorbidity be identified and addressed. Physical activity is one therapy that is gaining credibility in enhancing quality of life and reducing the burden of disease.

Objectives: To examine the beliefs, attitudes and counselling practices of a group of Alberta-based paediatric oncologists.

Methods: All Alberta-based physicians with a known specialty in paediatric oncology were approached and asked to complete a onetime, mail-out survey.

Results: All responding physicians regarded both personal exercise and physical activity for childhood cancer survivors as moderately to extremely important. Importantly, one-half of the respondents believed that there is no adverse risk associated with physical activity in this survivor group. While the bulk of physicians report prescribing physical activity, few believe that their patients actually follow these recommendations.

Conclusions: Responding oncologists acknowledge the importance of physical activity for all survivors; however, future research is needed to better understand how to best promote healthy active living within this group.

HISTORIQUE: Étant donné la population croissante d’enfants qui survivent au cancer et la prise de conscience grandissante des effets à long terme du diagnostic et du traitement, il est essentiel de repérer et de résoudre les facteurs de risque modifiables reliés à la santé à long terme et aux comorbidités de la maladie. L’activité physique est une thérapie qui acquiert de la crédibilité pour améliorer la qualité de vie et réduire le fardeau de la maladie.

OBJECTIFS: Examiner les croyances, les attitudes et les pratiques de counseling d’un groupe d’oncologues pédiatriques installé en Alberta.

MÉTHODOLOGIE: On a pris contact avec tous les médecins installés en Alberta ayant une spécialité connue en oncologie pédiatrique et on leur a demandé de participer à une enquête postale ponctuelle.

RÉSULTATS: Tous les médecins répondants considéraient à la fois l’exercice personnel et l’activité physique comme moyennement à extrêmement importants pour les survivants d’un cancer pendant l’enfance. Qui plus est, la moitié des répondants étaient d’avis que ce groupe de survivants ne court aucun risque associé à l’activité physique. Bien que la plupart des médecins déclarent prescrire l’activité physique, ils sont rares à penser que leurs patients respectent ces recommandations.

CONCLUSIONS: Les oncologues répondants conviennent de l’importance de l’activité physique pour tous les survivants, mais il faudra mener d’autres recherches pour établir comment promouvoir le mieux une vie saine et active au sein de ce groupe.

Keywords: Counselling; Health; Oncologist; Physical activity; Survivor.

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References

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