Feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth behavior change intervention for promoting physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption among rural-living young adult cancer survivors

J Psychosoc Oncol. 2021;39(6):715-733. doi: 10.1080/07347332.2021.1896616. Epub 2021 Apr 2.

Abstract

Purpose: We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week telehealth behavior change intervention to promote physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption among rural-living young adult cancer survivors.Methods: Participants met with a health coach once a week for 60 minutes for 12 weeks. Feasibility measures included rates of recruitment, enrollment, attrition, retention, adherence, and missing data. Acceptability was assessed using semi-structured interviews.Findings: Over 1-year, 18 individuals self-referred, 9 were eligible and consented to participate, and 2 dropped out. Retention was 74% and adherence was 95%. Participants considered the length of the intervention, synchronous communication with the health coach, and the distance-based delivery mode to be acceptable. Moreover, participants described key behavior change techniques and recommended minor changes.Implications: Findings provide information that can help refine future trials seeking to increase access to behavior change interventions and optimize participation in health-promoting behaviors for underserved populations.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03691545. Registered on October 1, 2018.

Keywords: survivorship; Diet; physical activity; psychosocial; supportive care.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Cancer Survivors*
  • Exercise
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Fruit
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Telemedicine*
  • Vegetables
  • Young Adult

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03691545