Knowledge and views of physicians and nurses about physical activity advice in oncology care: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: the benefits of physical activity have been approved in oncology care. This is why healthcare professionals must play a principle role in promoting physical activity during all cancer care pathway. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare physicians' and nurses' knowledge and views toward physical activity advice in oncology care.

Methods: this cross-sectional study included Moroccan physicians and nurses specialized in oncology. Participants were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. The inferential statistics were performed to find a difference between physicians' and nurses' knowledge and views.

Results: questionnaires were returned by 154 healthcare professionals (response rate 48. 6%). The majority was informed about the physical activity benefits in oncology. The physicians seem to be more informed than nurses about physical activity benefits in oncology (Chi-squared test, p=0.016). The majority thought that physical activity is beneficial in post-treatment (59.7%), while 24% only granted these benefits in the palliative care. The Participants expressed positive views about physical activity in oncology, especially nurses who seem to agree the most with implementation of a physical activity program in the hospital (Mann-Withney, p=0.04). The majority of participants stated that there are some clinical factors related to the patient that constitute a barrier of physical activity advising.

Conclusion: the lack of knowledge, self-declared by the majority of participants, underlines the need to strengthen training actions about physical activity advice in health professionals, especially nurses for people with cancer.