Towards OPtimal TIming and Method for promoting sUstained adherence to lifestyle and body weight recommendations in postMenopausal breast cancer survivors (the OPTIMUM-study): protocol for a longitudinal mixed-method study

the OPTIMUM research team

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Abstract

© 2021, The Author(s).Background: The majority of postmenopausal breast cancer (PMBC) survivors do not adhere to lifestyle recommendations and have excess body weight. In this group, this is associated with poorer health-related quality of life and an increased risk of type II diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, second primary cancers, cancer recurrences, and mortality. Gaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle and body composition is therefore important. It is unknown when and how sustained adherence to these recommendations can be promoted optimally in PMBC survivors. Therefore, the OPTIMUM study aims to identify the optimal timing and method for promoting sustained adherence to lifestyle and body weight recommendations in PMBC survivors. Methods: The OPTIMUM-study has a mixed-methods design. To assess optimal timing, a longitudinal observational study will be conducted among approximately 1000 PMBC survivors. The primary outcomes are adherence to lifestyle and body weight recommendations, readiness for change, and need for support. Questionnaires will be administered at 4–6 months after cancer diagnosis (wave 1: during treatment and retrospectively before diagnosis), 1 year after diagnosis (wave 2: after completion of initial treatment), and 1.5 years after diagnosis (wave 3: during follow-up). Wave 2 and 3 include blood sampling, and either wearing an accelerometer for 7 days or completing a 3-day online food diary (randomly assigned at hospital level). To assess the optimal method, behavioural determinants of the primary outcomes will be matched with Behavior Change Techniques using the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy. Qualitative research methods will be used to explore perceptions, needs and preferences of PMBC survivors (semi-structured interviews, focus groups) and health care providers (Delphi study). Topics include perceptions on optimal timing to promote adherence; facilitators and motivators of, and barriers towards (sustained) adherence to recommendations; and acceptability of the selected methods. Discussion: The OPTIMUM study aims to gain scientific knowledge on when and how to promote sustained adherence to lifestyle and body weight recommendations among PBMC survivors. This knowledge can be incorporated into guidelines for tailored promotion in clinical practice to improve health outcomes.
Original languageEnglish
Article number268
JournalBMC Women's Health
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2021

Funding

The study is supported with a personal grant from the Dutch Cancer Society (project nr 10960) awarded to MH, and an Investment Subsidy Large (#91101002) of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (The Hague, The Netherlands). These funding bodies did not have any role in the design of this study, and do not have any role in the collection, analyses and interpretation of data and in writing any of the manuscripts that will result from this study. We would like to thank all oncologists, nurses, and research coordinators involved with the OPTIMUM-study in the following hospitals and institutions for their cooperation: Alexander Monro Hospital, Bilthoven; Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht; Amphia Hospital, Breda; Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen; Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht; Elisabeth?Twee Steden Hospital, Tilburg; Jeroen Bosch Hospital, Den Bosch; Medical Centre Leeuwarden, Leeuwarden; Medical Spectrum Twente, Enschede; Renier de Graaf Hospital, Delft; Sint Antonius Hospital, Utrecht; Sint Jansdal Hospital, Harderwijk; VieCuri Medical Centre, Venlo.

FundersFunder number
Alexander Monro Hospital
Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital
Den Bosch
Dutch Cancer Society91101002, 10960
Jeroen Bosch Hospital
Medical Centre Leeuwarden
VieCuri Medical Centre
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
St. Antonius Ziekenhuis

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