Table 3.
Challenges and facilitators to PA participation identified in qualitative interviews
| Barriers | No. of participants | Facilitators | No. of participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical side effects of treatment | Feelings of competency | ||
| I get hot and sweaty when I exercise (menopausal symptoms) | 4 | I know how to be prepared if I have an accident | 2 |
| I lose my balance easily (neuropathy) | 2 | I was an active person before treatment | 7 |
| Pain and heaviness from lymphoedema limits the types of activities that I can do | 2 | I feel less embarrassed if I am open about my issues | 4 |
| Psychological challenges | Enhancing enjoyment of PA | ||
| I don’t feel confident in my body since treatment | 5 | I try to set myself targets and track my progress | 9 |
| I don’t have the same energy or motivation to be active as before | 6 | Being competitive with myself and/ or others | 6 |
| I fear that doing physical activity will make my symptoms worse | 4 | I feel like I have achieved something after I am active | 6 |
| A lack of knowledge | Structure/ routine | ||
| I don’t know what physical activities my body can do | 7 | I like getting into a routine of being active | 4 |
| The environment | Knowledge of PA benefits | ||
| I feel vulnerable walking in my neighbourhood | 2 | Being active helps to reduce my anxieties | 6 |
| There aren’t always access to toilet facilities | 3 | I feel like I have control over my health if I am active | 8 |
KEY: PA, physical activity