Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0685-4598
Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Bruce Rybarczyk, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Autumn Lanoye, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Jared W. Keeley, Ph.D.
Fourth Advisor
Carmina G. Valle, PhD, MPH
Abstract
Wearable devices allow for objective remote and real-time data collection and have been increasingly popular among the general public and in mHealth activity (PA) interventions. Despite this, our knowledge of feasibility and efficacy for using wearable devices to increase PA among a particularly vulnerable population—young adult cancer survivors age 18-39 (YACS)—is limited. Engaging in physical activity while undergoing cancer treatment contributes to reduced risk for recurrence and secondary cancers, and can also help to manage treatment side effects. However, there are a multitude of barriers to PA engagement among cancer survivors, with YACS in particular demonstrating low rates of PA. The current study examines whether Fitbit adherence and PA goal engagement are associated with physical activity outcomes at 6 months among 280 YACS randomized to either mHealth PA intervention or control. Furthermore, we explored whether baseline characteristics predicted Fitbit adherence and PA goal engagement. Results indicated: (1) greater overall Fitbit adherence predicted greater weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) at 6 months after controlling for treatment arm and baseline MVPA; (2) PA goal engagement did not predict MVPA at 6 months; (3) baseline characteristics were not predictive of high Fitbit adherence or high PA goal engagement. Findings suggest a subset of YACS who demonstrated MVPA improvements using the Fitbit alone, not needing additional mHealth intervention components. Given that mHealth interventions are only effective when users adhere to and engage with the program, future research should further explore which elements of engagement are most important for PA outcomes.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-9-2024