Telehealth coaching for rural-living young adult cancer survivors: A protocol

Abstract

Objective:

Young adult cancer survivors living in rural areas have reported barriers to participating in health behaviours due to their geographical location and the developmental milestones associated with their age. Existing health behaviour change interventions have generally been delivered face-to-face and have not been tailored to the preferences of young adults living in rural areas, thus not adequately addressing the needs of this population. To address these limitations, this trial aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week telehealth intervention drawing on self-determination theory to promote physical activity participation and fruit and vegetable consumption.

Design:

The intervention will be tested with young adults who are between the ages of 20 and 39 years, have completed primary treatment, live in an area with fewer than 35,000 inhabitants, are not currently meeting physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption guidelines, have access to the Internet and audio-visual devices, are ambulatory and are able and willing to provide informed consent. The target sample size is 15.

Method:

Feasibility data will be collected by recording recommended outcomes throughout the trial. Additional feasibility data as well as acceptability data will be collected using an online questionnaire administered pre- and post-intervention and a semi-structured interview.

Results:

Results may inform the design and implementation of supportive care services for young adults, and potentially other adults living in rural areas who experience similar barriers to participating in health-promoting behaviours.

Conclusion:

This trial is one of the first to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a theory-based telehealth behaviour change intervention targeting young adult cancer survivors living in rural areas in order to mitigate the disease burden.