Effect of Brisk Walking on Self-Care Agency or Care Dependency among Colorectal Cancer Patients with Permanent Stoma

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of brisk walking as an intervention for self-care agency and care dependency in patients with permanent colorectal cancer stoma. Method: This study adopted a quasi-experimental research design, specifically a non-equivalent control group pre-test and post-test design. Utilizing the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale (ESCA) and Care Dependency Scale (CDS), a survey was administered to 64 patients from a hospital in Shandong Province. The statistical methods used for analyzing data included frequency, mean, standard deviation (SD), independent t-test, P-value calculation, and dependent t-test. Result: After two months of a brisk walking exercise program, participants in the experimental group had a higher level of self-care agency than before the experiment (P < 0.05), and their level of care dependency was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Participants in the control group also showed higher levels of self-care agency (P < 0.05) and lower levels of care dependency (P < 0.05) after two months compared to their levels before the two months. Conclusion: The brisk walking program had a positive impact on patients’ self-care agency and reduced their care dependency.