Parental perspectives on promoting physical activity for their children surviving cancer: A qualitative study

Objective: Physical activity is vital for the healthy development of pediatric cancer survivors. We aimed to explore parental perception on the importance, the barriers to and facilitators of participating in physical activity for their children surviving cancer.

Methods: A qualitative study, using a descriptive phenomenological approach, was conducted. Purposive sample of parents of pediatric cancer survivors aged 9-16 years and had completed treatment at least six months previously were participated in one-to-one semi-structured interviews conducted by two trained research nurses. Data analysis followed Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenology method.

Results: Twenty-eight parents (64.3 % female) of pediatric cancer survivors were interviewed. Most parents lacked awareness and knowledge regarding the importance and benefits of physical activity in their child's survivorship. Major barriers identified were parental concern about their child performing physical activity, time constraints and lack of recreational facilities and activity provision. Parents reported that parental support, family involvement and child's interests and enjoyment appeared to be crucial facilitators of survivors' physical activity.

Conclusion: This study identified the barriers to and facilitators of engaging in physical activity of pediatric cancer survivors from the parental perspectives.

Practical implications: The findings of the study is important for the development of health education to promote regular physical activity among pediatric cancer survivors.