Evaluation of a Theory-based Mobile Health Physical Activity Intervention for Breast Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy: Mixed Method Study

Abstract Purpose Mobile health (mHealth) application (app) targeted promoting physical activity (PA) demonstrates advantages in knowledge sharing, social connecting and tailored intervention for breast cancer (BC) patients. However, lacking of theoretical basis restricted sustainable benefits of these apps. We construct a theory-based mHealth PA intervention program and to determine whether this would improve PA behavior change during chemotherapy for BC patients.Methods Social cognitive theory, self-efficacy theory and the theory of planned behavior were referred to construct mHealth intervention strategies. Guided by agile development model, “Breast care” smartphone app based on above integrated theories was developed. Then, a three-month pre-post mHealth PA intervention delivered by the app was implemented. A mixed method was utilized to test the effectiveness of this remotely intervening. Results Twenty participants were recruited. Based on PA capability assessment and baseline PA evaluation, 12 patients were divided into active group, and 8 patients were grouped in sedentary lifestyle. Within three months, the average accumulated app usage time of each participant identified at portal site was 40 minutes a week. The total PA increased 945.70 metabolic equivalents (MET) -min/w with a significant improvement (P=.04) after 3 months. Walking displayed a significant improvement after intervention (904.20 MET-min/w) (P=.03). Qualitative results showed satisfaction and willingness of BC patients to use the app to manage PA and relevant health behaviors.Conclusion The theory-based mHealth PA intervention has great potential to enhance BC patients’ PA awareness and engagement, meanwhile to facilitate their PA behavior change.