Understanding rural-living young adult cancer survivors’ motivation during a telehealth behavior change intervention within a single-arm feasibility trial

Abstract

A single-arm feasibility trial was conducted to explore rural-living young adult cancer survivors’ physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and motivational processes underlying any behavior changes during a telehealth behavior change intervention grounded in self-determination theory. Participants ( n = 7; 85.7% female; Mage = 33.9, range = 28–37) met with a health coach once a week for 60 min for 12 weeks. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention surveys that assessed their behaviors, basic psychological needs satisfaction, and behavioral regulations. Participants also completed a semi-structured interview post-intervention. Quantitative results indicate behavioral outcomes, basic psychological needs satisfaction, and behavioral regulations increased from pre- to post-intervention. Five themes provide context for the observed increases. Results provide preliminary evidence that motivation for physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption may be facilitated by a one-on-one telehealth intervention among rural-living young adult cancer survivors. Large scale studies are needed to determine effectiveness of the intervention and identify mechanisms underpinning behavioral outcomes.