Understanding physical activity behavior in patients with bladder cancer before and after radical cystectomy: a qualitative interview study

To explore the determinants of physical activity in patients with bladder cancer before and after radical cystectomy. A qualitative research design using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. A total of 30 interviews were conducted with people diagnosed with bladder cancer and treated with radical cystectomy at Ghent University Hospital. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Framework analysis with constant comparison between and within interviews was applied until final topics were derived from interpreting the data. Physical activity behavior in patients with bladder cancer is determined multifactorial with condition-related (e.g. urinary symptoms, comorbidities), therapy-related (e.g. fatigue, diarrhea), patient-related (e.g. outcome expectations, coping skills, definitions of physical activity), social/economic-related (e.g. social support, attractive environment) and health system–related (e.g. physicians’ advice, information) factors. The results of this study can guide the development of theory-based behavior change interventions to increase physical activity in bladder cancer patients