Study of the role of regular physical activity on promoting hedonism and eudaimonia in breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Background: Individuals who have completed cancer treatment may have psychological and physical challenges. Participating in regular physical activity is considered as one of the most important factors for improving postcancer experience. Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of participating in physical activities on hedonism and eudaimonia among breast cancer survivors. Methods: The research method was a semi-experimental design in the form of time-series using two experimental and control groups. 42 breast cancer survivors participated in this study in Urmia. Data using motives for activation of hedonism and eudiamonia (HEMA) were gathered before the intervention program (pre-test), at the end of intervention (the first post-test), and two weeks after the first post-test (the second post-test). For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics (T-test, Chi-square, and repeated measures ANOVA) were used. Result: Repeated measures ANOVA analysis in the three different periods of pre-test, post-test, and a month later post-test showed that changes in the mean score of hedonism and eudaimonia motivation were not similar in the two groups and indicated the improvement of dialysis adequacy in the intervention group compared with the control group. Conclusion: Generally, the results showed that participating in regular physical activity is an effective intervention on enhancing the motives for hedonism and eduaimonia in breast cancer survivors.

Keywords

• cancer survivors
• eduaimonia
• hedonism
• physical activity