Understanding Exercise Preferences, Barriers, and Facilitators for LGBTQIA2S+ Individuals Living with and Beyond Cancer
Date
2023-07-21
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand overall physical activity (PA) experiences and to identify the preferences, barriers, and facilitators for exercise among LGBTQIA2S+ individuals living with and beyond cancer. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was employed for this study. Efforts were made to recruit individuals representing a diverse range across the target population in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as cancer diagnosis. Convenience and snowball sampling methods were used for recruitment, including outreach to cancer and LGBTQIA2S+ support groups, social media posts, and participants in current exercise oncology studies. Inclusion criteria encompassed individuals who identify as LGBTQIA2S+, have been diagnosed with any form of cancer, are on or off treatment or any stage of cancer survivorship, are over 18 years old, and have proficiency in English. Data collection involved the use of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was grounded in an Interpretive Description (ID) approach, wherein the interview data was analyzed and conceptualized using thematic description. Results: Through outreach to 49 organizations, 11 participants were recruited. The interviews with the participants yielded three main themes: 1) value of exercise in the cancer care journey, 2) perceptions of discrimination and prejudice, and perceptions of body image, and 3) LGBTQIA2S+ exercise oncology programming. These themes shed light on the participants’ experiences with exercise oncology programming and PA preferences, barriers, and facilitators. Conclusion: This study contributed to our understanding of PA and exercise oncology experiences of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals living with and beyond cancer. The findings can inform the development of future PA and exercise oncology resources, such as educational materials and programming, to address current participation barriers and foster inclusivity within this population.
Description
Keywords
Exercise Oncology, LGBTQIA2S+, Barriers, Facilitators, Preferences
Citation
Rana, B. (2023). Understanding exercise preferences, barriers, and facilitators for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals living with and beyond cancer (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.