Experiences of Exercise-Related Worry Among Chinese Childhood Cancer Survivors and Their Carers

Abstract

Background The low levels of physical activity in childhood cancer survivors have increasingly garnered attention from nursing scholars. Exercise-related worry is a prominent barrier, yet the understanding of such experiences among childhood cancer survivors and their primary caregivers remains scarce. Objective The aim of this study was to further understand the factors contributing to exercise-related worry from the perspective of childhood cancer survivors and their primary caregivers. Methods In this qualitative study, we conducted face-to-face semistructured interviews with childhood cancer survivors (n = 20) and carers (n = 20) in 2 hospitals in China. The interviews were analyzed according to thematic analysis. Results Two main themes and 8 subthemes emerged: (1) internal factors: changes in the perception of physical activity (threat perception from the disease, active avoidance of stressful events, lack of safety due to past experiences), and (2) external factors: weak support system (limited peer support, family strength, feeling abandoned by the tumor team, reintegration into school, external environmental constraints). In summary, exercise-related worry is from internal factors and can be influenced by external factors. Conclusion There are various factors contributing to the concerns of exercise in childhood cancer survivors, which may be a key factor for their significantly lower levels of physical activity compared to guideline recommendations. Implications for Practice The findings of this study call for healthcare professionals to provide additional assistance for childhood cancer survivors with exercise-related worry and establish personalized mechanisms for supporting physical activity in pediatric cancer survivors within the Chinese healthcare system.