ABSTRACT
Background: The women with breast cancer experience high rates of morbidity due to different treatments
The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of aerobic exercise in the quality of life [QoL] among women suffering from breast cancer in Hamadan, western Iran
Method: Participants who had consummated the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned in exercise group [n=30] and control group [n=30]. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The mean age was 42.70 +/-9.6 and 43.50 +/-8.60 yr old in exercise and control groups, respectively. The quality of life was assessed by two widely used standard questionnaires [EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23]
The exercise group received supervised exercise 2 days per week for 10 weeks. Through two stages [before and after intervention] these groups were evaluated. Analyzing the data was performed by SPSS/20.0, using ttest, chi-squared and ANCOVA. P<0.05 was regarded as significant level
Results: The global health status QoL, based on EORTC QLQ-C30, developed significantly in the exercise group [48.76+/-24.96 vs. 81.79+/-16.34] in comparison with the controls [47.75 +/-15.73 vs. 52.88 +/-14.51] [F<0.001]
The exercise intervention was associated with substantial development in total score of functions and symptoms of QoL using EORTC QLQ-BR23 [P<0.001]
Conclusions: The statistically and clinically crucial developments were indicated in functions and symptoms of QoL in response to exercise in breast cancer women
ABSTRACT
Background: Regular physical activity is important for midlife women. Models and theories help better understanding this behavior among middle-aged women and better planning for change behavior in target group. This study aimed to investigate predictive factors of regular physical activity among middle-aged women based on PRECEDE model as a theoretical framework
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 866 middle-aged women of Hamadan City western Iran, recruited with a proportional stratified sampling method in 2015. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire including questions on demographic characteristics and PRECEDE model constructs and IPAQ questionnaire. Data were then analyzed by SPSS-16 and AMOS-16 using the Pearson correlation test and the pathway analysis method
Results: Overall, 57% of middle-aged women were inactive [light level] or not sufficiently active. With SEM [Structural Equation Modeling] analysis, knowledge b=0.84, P<0.001, attitude b=0.799, P<0.001, self-efficacy b=0.633, P<0.001 as predisposing factor and social support as reinforcing factor b=0.2, P<0.001 were the most important predictors for physical activity among middle-aged women in Hamadan
Conclusions: The framework of the PRECEDE model is useful in understanding regular physical activity among middle-aged women. Furthermore, results showed the importance of predisposing and reinforcing factors when planning educational interventions