Peer mentoring for physical activity adoption and maintenance among breast cancer survivors: moderators of physical activity outcomes

Purpose We aimed to identify the moderators of maintenance strategies' effects to assist cancer care organizations that offer peer mentoring physical activity programs. Methods A total of 161 inactive breast cancer survivors participated in a 12-month study and were randomized to one of three conditions at baseline. American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery coaches delivered weekly calls to participants for the first 3 months. During Months 4-9, participants self-monitored PA and received feedback (Reach Plus) or additionally received monthly calls from coaches (Reach Plus Phone) or weekly text/email messages (Reach Plus Message). Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was assessed using self-report and accelerometry at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. We examined baseline demographics, cancer-specific, and social cognitive variables as potential moderators of MVPA. Using Latent Class Models, we identified three participant profiles. The profile was used as a moderator in longitudinal mixed-effects models of MVPA. Results Profile 1 (44%) were married, White, in preparation, with higher income and higher social support. Profile 2 (41%) were older, office employees, African American, with higher PA self-efficacy. Profile 3 (15%) were diagnosed with stage 1 cancer, in contemplation, with higher MVPA and lower social support. At follow-ups, among those with Profile 1, Reach Plus participants had higher MVPA than other groups (f(2) >=.10). Among those with Profile 2, Reach Plus Message participants had higher mean MVPA than other groups (f(2) >=.11). Among those with Profile 3, Reach Plus Phone participants had higher MVPA than other groups, f(2) >=.11 (all ps < .05). Conclusions Organizations can choose PA maintenance strategies that are most effective for survivors with specific profiles. Implications for Cancer Survivors Breast cancer survivors with specific profiles increase PA when receiving certain PA maintenance programs.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assist cancer care organizations in selecting appropriate physical activity maintenance strategies for specific survivor populations. The results showed that different profiles of survivors responded differently to different maintenance programs, suggesting the importance of personalized approaches in promoting physical activity among breast cancer survivors.