Behavioral theories applied to the promotion of physical activity among family caregivers of children with cancer: a theoretical-reflective analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/1fr1aw21Keywords:
physical activity, child caregivers, well-being, healthAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Caring for children under oncological treatment imposes a substantial physical and emotional burden on family caregivers, as it reduces the time available for leisure, self-care and physical activity (PA). As a result, these people become more prone to developing anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. OBJECTIVE: To analyze strategies that promote physical activity, their effects on mental health, and the major barriers to their adoption among family caregivers of children with cancer, interpreting these findings in the light of behavioral theories. METHODS: This theoretical-reflective article was developed through an interpretive analysis of studies identified on the PubMed, PsycINFO and Scopus databases, with no restrictions in terms of language or year of publication. The findings were organized according to the strategies for promoting physical activity, their effects on mental health and the barriers to their adoption, interpreting them afterwards in the light of the Effort Minimization Theory, the Self-Determination Theory, the Social-Cognitive Theory and the Affective-Reflective Theory. RESULTS: The main intervention strategies identified included individualized programs, pedometer-monitored walks, group activities, progressive goal setting, positive feedback, social support and enjoyable activities adapted to the caregivers’ routines. These interventions were associated to the reduction in anxiety, improved mood, increased psychological well-being and greater adherence to physical activity. On the other hand, physical and emotional burden, lack of time, socioeconomic difficulties and high perception of effort were identified as important barriers for the practice of physical activity. CONCLUSION: Physical activity interventions addressed at family caregivers of children with cancer should simultaneously consider cognitive, motivational, affective and contextual factors, prioritizing flexible and individualized strategies. The integration of behavioral theories can contribute to the development of more effective interventions for promoting mental health among this population.
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