Physical activity levels, willingness, and preferences in liver Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Despite the benefits and feasibility of physical activity for cancer survivors, a large number of liver cancer patients were insufficient active. Therefore, the current study to identify the physical activity level, willingness, and preferences of liver cancer patients and determine any associations with selected demographic and medical variables. Methods: : A cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 204 liver cancer patients. These patients completed a questionnaire anonymously, which collected information about their general and medical characteristics, as well as their willingness and preference to participate in physical activity programs. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-S) was used to determine their current physical activity levels. Results: : Only 29 participants (14.2%) were active but 150(73.5%) declared an interest in physical activity programs. Multivariate logistic regression showed that willingness to exercise was associated with time since diagnostic (OR:1.905, 95% CI:1.017 to 3.567, beyond 12 months vs. up to 12 months), current physical activity (OR:3.961, 95% CI: 1.159 to 13.538 for active vs. insufficiently active according to the recommendations set by the American Cancer Society). Patients lived outside city were less inclined to exercise (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.23–0.86) than those who lived within city. Patients with higher scores on the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia were less likely to engage in the exercise program (OR:0.889, 95% CI: 0.831 to 0.950). The participates expressed a preference for exercise programs instructed by an oncologist, but also indicated that they were willing to do unsupervised exercise at home. Conclusions: : Liver cancer patients have been found to have insufficient activity levels; however, they have expressed a willingness to participate in personalized physical activity programs. The results of this survey can assist in tailoring interventions to help these patients achieve the recommended levels of physical activity.