Assessment of physical activity in survivors of pediatric cancer

• Grant number: 11/24158-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2012
• End date: April 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Andréa Yamaguchi Kurashima
• Grantee: Andréa Yamaguchi Kurashima
• Host Institution: A C Camargo Cancer Center. Fundação Antonio Prudente (FAP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Aline Chrispan ; Erika Maria Monteiro Santos

Abstract

Childhood cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death among children in the United States. In Brazil, there were 9,890 new cases of cancer in 2008-2009. The increase in survivors of childhood cancer have changed the paradigm of care with emphasis in evaluation long-term treatment related morbidity and quality of life. Although physical activity is proven to be essential for modification or prevention of cancer treatment complications, the percentage of sedentary individuals is still high. Issues such as motivation and adherence should be considered in health promotion programs. Therefore, findings in health behavior theories may give information in order to propose guidelines and interventions for behavior changing. Aims: To evaluate the physical activity level of survivors of childhood cancer followed by the Pediatric Cancer Treatment Late Effects Study Group (Gepetto) and to identify the relationship between the constructs of the theory of planned behavior and the adoption of physical activity behavior following educational interventions. Methods: This is a prospective longitudinal study, conducted in a convenience sample. The study population includes survivors of childhood cancer followed by the Pediatric Department at Hospital A. C.Camargo-Sao Paulo. The evaluation will include the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAC) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), in addition to demographic and clinical information. (AU)