Oncology nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and perceived barriers towards nutritional management and promotion of physical activity in oncology patients

Abstract

Background: No previously conducted studies have investigated factors related to oncology nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and perceived barriers towards nutritional management and the promotion of physical activity in oncology patients. This thesis aimed to explore the local oncology nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and perceived barriers towards conducting these behaviours to determine which socio-demographic variables affect the nurses’ conduction of the target behaviour in order to increase their willingness to learn regarding nutritional management and promotion of physical activity. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional design was utilised. All 91 oncology nurses working at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre at the time of conduction of this study were invited to participate, 11 of which were asked to participate in a pilot study. The research tool consisted of an online survey formulated by the researcher herself based upon the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the link to which was sent via email by an intermediary. Findings: Nurses encompass a positive attitude towards nutritional management, are mostly well informed regarding nutritional care, but require enhancements in their confidence to perform this behaviour. They possess a positive attitude towards physical activity promotion and are quite knowledgeable on the effect of physical activity on oncology patients. Nonetheless, they lack the confidence that they require to promote physical activity effectively. The nurses identified a lack of training in their undergraduate program and a lack of guidelines and protocols in their workplace pertaining to both target behaviours as the main barriers to the conduction of physical activity. Conclusion: Staff nurses who are older than 51 years of age, or those with either fewer years of experience in the oncology setting, as well as those who are only in contact with patients while the latter are receiving their treatment should be prioritised for undergoing educational intervention through online lectures.