Mediators of physical activity adoption and maintenance among breast cancer survivors

The purpose of this study is to explore the mediators associated with physical activity (PA) within the adoption and maintenance phase of a PA intervention trial among breast cancer survivors. Overall, 192 breast cancer survivors (average age = 55.9 years) were randomized to an Intervention or Control group. Both groups received 8 calls in the first 3-months, 3 monthly calls, and then entered a no-contact maintenance phase for the remaining 6-months. Assessments were completed at baseline, 3-months, 6-months and 12-months. On average, participants were 55.9 years of age (SD = 9.8) and 2.9 years since diagnosis (SD = 2.2). In the adoption phase, all significant univariate mediators (self-efficacy, cognitive and behavioral processes and decisional balance cons) were included in the multivariate model. Results suggest self-efficacy (ab = 13.56, SE = 7.04) and behavioral processes (ab = 36.10, SE = 12.22) were significant for PA adoption. No mediators were identified in the maintenance phase. In the adoption phase, there were significant indirect effects of group on PA adoption through self-efficacy and behavioral processes. There were no indirect effects of group on PA maintenance.