Exploring Peer Support Characteristics for Promoting Physical Activity Among Women Living Beyond a Cancer Diagnosis: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

To explore women's perceptions of and preferred peer characteristics for peer mentoring to support physical activity promotion. Understanding how women living beyond a cancer diagnosis perceive peers for physical activity may help guide further health behavior mentoring and support practices. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 16 English-speaking adult women living beyond a cancer diagnosis. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Following a qualitative descriptive approach, four in-person focus groups were conducted and discussions were analyzed using inductive content analysis. FINDINGS: Participants described four considerations for peer matching: (a) personal characteristics, (b) physical activity characteristics, (c) cancer characteristics, and (d) finding a peer. Similarities in age, life phase, location, history of physical activity, type of cancer, severity of cancer, and personality were integral. An online or mobile application and the ability to create multiple partnerships were preferred. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Understanding methods to promote physical activity is imperative for long-term survivorship outcomes. Nurses in oncology care settings may promote physical activity and social support for women living beyond cancer diagnoses by facilitating optimal peer matches.

Matched and moving: exploring daily social support among women partnered for exercise after a breast cancer diagnosis

“…Before beginning the study, participants completed baseline measures of demographics and physical activity levels. Women were matched with a peer using evidencebased criteria including age (within 10 years) and personal characteristics (geographical location/time zone) [39]. All women were treated for breast cancer.…”

“…Aligning with the natural design of this study, women were not given guidance or instruction on how to connect with their peer or how often they should connect. Based on earlier work [39], this study was planned as completely remote (online/virtual)-delivered, which was necessitated given the public health restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, researchers have successfully implemented peer support interventions for people treated for cancer using online protocols, indicating that virtual peer support programs may have appeal to this population [40].…”