Psychosocial and Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate associations between psychosocial and sociodemographic factors and perceived barriers to physical activity among hospitalized patients receiving chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 163 patients hospitalized for chemotherapy. Anxiety, depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers were assessed using validated instruments. Spearman and partial Spearman correlations examined associations between psychosocial variables and perceived barriers, and exploratory analyses examined individual barriers. Multiple linear regression evaluated independent associations with the mean score of the 21-item barrier questionnaire, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and self-reported race/color. RESULTS: The most frequently reported barriers were the perception that disease prevented engagement in physical activity, physical limitations, and lack of energy. Overall perceived barriers were positively associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms and inversely associated with self-efficacy. In the multivariable analysis, higher anxiety symptoms, older age, and self-reported Black race/color were independently associated with greater perceived barriers. Depressive symptoms and self-efficacy were not independently associated after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived barriers to physical activity were common among hospitalized patients receiving chemotherapy. Anxiety, older age, and self-reported Black race/color were independently associated with greater perceived barriers. These findings highlight the importance of individualized approaches addressing physical and psychosocial barriers during cancer treatment.