Social-ecological correlates of physical activity in kidney cancer survivors

Purpose: Previous studies in cancer survivors have examined behavioral correlates of physical activity (PA), but no study to date has adopted a broader social-ecological framework in understanding PA. This study examined the associations among demographic, medical, social-cognitive, and environmental correlates of meeting PA guidelines among kidney cancer survivors (KCS). Methods: All 1985 KCS diagnosed between 1996 and 2010 identified through a Canadian provincial registry were mailed a survey that consisted of medical, demographic, and social-cognitive measures, as well as PA as measured by the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire. Environmental constructs were also assessed for both self-report and objective measures using geographic information systems (GIS). A series of binary logistic regression analyses were conducted in this cross-sectional study. Results: Completed surveys with geographical information were received from 432 KCS with M_age = 64.4 ± 11.1 years, 63.2 % male, and 82.2 % having localized kidney cancer. In the final multivariate model, meeting PA guidelines was associated with disease stage (OR = 0.25, p =.005), having drug therapy (OR = 3.98, p =.009), higher levels of instrumental attitudes (OR = 1.66, p =.053), higher levels of intention (OR = 1.72, p =.002), and the perceived presence of many retail shops in the neighborhood (OR = 1.37, p =.032). Conclusions: Meeting PA guidelines in KCS were associated with various aspects of the social-ecological model. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Understanding the social-ecological correlates for PA can provide insight into future interventions designed to increase PA in KCS. Prime targets for PA promotion should consider treatment-related factors, promote the benefits of PA, and enhance positive perceptions of the built environment.