Promoting physical and psychosocial health behavior changes in breast cancer survivors through a communitybased workshop: Process and impact evaluation

Authors

  • Amber K. Alsobrooks, MS, LRT, CTRS
  • Jean Owen, MA
  • Diane Groff, EdD, LRT
  • Claudio L. Battaglini, PhD
  • Elizabeth Evans, MA
  • Robert Brustad, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2010.0030

Keywords:

breast cancer, community-based health education, health behaviors, exercise, physical activity, recreational therapy, mindfulness, stress management, quality of life

Abstract

This article examines the feasibility and effectiveness of delivering a community-based health education workshop to promote positive health behaviors for breast cancer survivors in a predominately rural 13-county region in North Carolina. Curriculum was based on an existing 20-week center-based exercise and recreation therapy program for breast cancer survivors, and it relied on interagency cooperation for promotion and delivery of the intervention. Evaluation of success was based on attendance, ability of participants to demonstrate appropriate health behaviors, and self-reported changes in health behaviors. Challenges and strategies related to partnering with community agencies and generating attendance are discussed. The authors contend that a community-based workshop supported by multiple agencies can be effective in enhancing health-related knowledge and behaviors for breast cancer survivors.

Author Biographies

Amber K. Alsobrooks, MS, LRT, CTRS

Licensed Recreational Therapist, Get REAL & HEEL Breast Cancer Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Jean Owen, MA

Exercise Physiologist and RMCRI Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist, Get REAL & HEEL Breast Cancer Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Diane Groff, EdD, LRT

Licensed Recreational Therapist and Associate Professor, Department of Exercise and Sport Science; Co-founder and Co-director, Get REAL & HEEL, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Claudio L. Battaglini, PhD

Assistant Professor of Exercise Physiology, Department of Exercise and Sport Science; Co-founder and Co-director, Get REAL & HEEL, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Elizabeth Evans, MA

Doctoral Student, HMSC Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Robert Brustad, PhD

Professor of Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado.

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Published

10/01/2010

How to Cite

Alsobrooks, MS, LRT, CTRS, A. K., Owen, MA, J., Groff, EdD, LRT, D., Battaglini, PhD, C. L., Evans, MA, E., & Brustad, PhD, R. (2010). Promoting physical and psychosocial health behavior changes in breast cancer survivors through a communitybased workshop: Process and impact evaluation. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 9(4), 39–46. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2010.0030

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Section

Articles