A feasibility study examining the effectiveness of a mobile intervention for reducing sitting time in prostate cancer survivors: RiseTx

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer survivors (PCS) prescribed androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are at risk for chronic disease that may be preventable with a reduction in sedentary behaviour  (SED)–yet there are no known SED interventions among cancer survivors. This study aims to develop and test a SED intervention using a mobile application to reduce sitting time among PCS.  Methods: Nine focus groups of 90 minutes each were conducted. PCS were recruited from local hospitals and a community group in Toronto, Ontario between Nov 2013-Apr 2014. Probe questions assessed perceptions regarding SED, strategies to interrupt SED, and design preferences for a mobile application. Data were transcribed verbatim and a thematic analysis was conducted.  Results: The sample was 27 PCS with a mean age of 73.5±8.1 years, mean BMI was 27.1 ± 4.3, mean number of months since diagnosis was 98.8 ± 69.4, 55.7% had localized prostate cancer, and 64.0% had ADT administered continuously.  More than half of PCS were aware of the health risks with SED and were interested in a mobile application to reduce SED.  PCS expressed that the design should be easy to use; have an alerting function; have the ability to track and monitor activity; tailored to the individual; and have a goal-setting function. Briefly, PCS in the intervention will receive a Jawbone (i.e., a wrist-worn device that provides sensory feedback to stand after prolonged sitting), and a mobile application that will provide various support tools over a 12-week period.  Conclusions:  PCS were aware of some of the health risks of SED and expressed interest in a mobile application to reduce SED that is easy to use and individualized.  These findings are now being used to develop and evaluate a novel mobile application to improve health outcomes among PCS.  

Acknowledgments: This study was funded by Prostate Cancer Canada-Movember Discovery Grants