Assessing Informal Cancer Caregivers’ Needs and Preferences for an Exercise Program and Their Views Regarding Participating in a Dyadic Exercise Program with Their Care Recipients

Abstract

The number of informal cancer caregivers (ICC) is rising due to increased cancer prevalence and a shift towards home-based care. ICC have been shown to experience several physical, emotional, and social consequences leading to a reduced quality of life, an increased risk of all-cause mortality, and a reduced capacity to care for their loved ones. Exercise appears to be a potent intervention to improve the physical and psychosocial health of ICC but research in this area is lacking. This study used an Interpretive Description approach to explore the needs, preferences, and opinions of ICC regarding exercise programs. A throughline of missed opportunities to support ICC health with dyadic exercise programs underpinned three themes in the data: (1) No Time for Exercise, (2) Lack of Oncologist Support, and (3) Do It for Them. The findings highlight opportunities that can be capitalized on to improve ICC health.