Promoting Physical Activity in Rural Settings: Effectiveness and Potential Strategies.

PURPOSE: Implementing efficacious physical activity interventions in real-world rural settings is needed because rural cancer survivors are more physically inactive and experience poorer health. To address this gap, this study evaluated effectiveness of an evidenced-based physical activity program (Better Exercise Adherence after Treatment for Cancer [BEAT Cancer]) for rural women cancer survivors when implemented by community-based, non-research staff. METHODS: 16 rural women cancer survivors received BEAT Cancer implemented by a rural, community organization and non-research staff; physical activity, patient-reported outcomes, and social cognitive constructs were measured at baseline and post-program. Cancer survivors and interventionists completed program evaluations post-program. RESULTS: Cancer survivor mean age was 58±12 years; 62% were White. Mean months since diagnosis was 54±72; 69% had breast cancer. Significant improvements from pre- to post-program occurred for self-report weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (mean change [M] = 146±186, p = 0.009), anxiety (M = -1.3±1.8, p = 0.016), depression (M = -2.1±2.0, p = 0.001), self-efficacy (M = 20.9±30.5, p = 0.019), barriers interference (M = -15.0±14.1, p = 0.001), and social support (M = 5.0±7.4, p = 0.02). Cancer survivors ranked the program highly, identified strategies that were helpful (e.g., group activities, personalized exercise plan, etc.), and suggested additional implementation strategies (e.g., guide for home-based phase, etc.). Interventionists identified strategies (e.g., logistics, staff training and certification, cost, etc.) for enhancing organizational readiness for program delivery. CONCLUSION: Evidence-based physical activity programs can be effective when implemented by non-research staff in rural settings. Further research testing strategies that improve implementation is needed. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Effectiveness and identified strategies supporting delivery when implemented by a rural organization can improve physical activity promotion for rural, at-risk populations.

Influence of Probiotics on the Development of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Patients Receiving Fluoroquinolones.

Fluoroquinolones are associated with an increased risk of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Probiotic supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea with variable effects on CDI. The objective of this study was to evaluate receipt of probiotics on development of primary CDI among hospitalized patients receiving fluoroquinolones. A retrospective cohort was evaluated that consisted of two groups of 100 patients each, admitted August 2018 through August 2020 that received ≥3 days of definitive monotherapy with levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin within 72 h of admission. Primary outcome was incidence of CDI. Secondary outcomes included rates of C. difficile diagnostic stool testing, additional infectious diagnostic testing, and non-CDI related gastrointestinal side effects. Patients on fluoroquinolones who received probiotics had a non-statistically significantly lower incidence in overall cases of CDI compared to those who did not receive probiotics (0% vs. 3%, p = 0.246). Patients who received probiotics had statistically significantly fewer C. difficile diagnostic stool tests performed (4% vs. 16%, p = 0.005) and fewer additional infectious diagnostic testing performed (4% vs. 10%, p = 0.096), respectively. Further research is warranted to optimize and standardize probiotic prescribing in high-risk patients.

Determining patient needs to enhance exercise program implementation and uptake in rural settings for women after a cancer diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To qualitatively explore exercise barriers and facilitators experienced by rural female cancer survivors from the program interventionist and recipient perspective for the purpose of enhancing exercise program implementation and uptake in rural settings. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative study design was utilized. Focus groups were conducted prior to implementation of an evidence-based exercise program by a rural non-research cancer clinical site. Nineteen rural female cancer survivors (mean age = 61.7 ± 10.9 years) and 11 potential interventionists (mean age = 42.3 ± 15.3 years) completed focus groups (stratified by participant role). Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis with NVivo 11. RESULTS: Cancer survivors identified 12 barrier themes (cancer specific adverse effects, lack of support, lack of knowledge, perceived negative aspects of exercise, cost, lack of resources, motivation, inconvenience, lack of program flexibility, time, weather, safety) and eight facilitator themes (knowledge, ease of access, resources, awareness, cost, options, organized, fun) related to exercise. Interventionists identified seven barrier themes (cost, transportation, lack of cancer survivor and interventionist knowledge, fear, motivation, lack of support, lack of resources) and four facilitator themes (resources, support, knowledge, motivation). Narratives revealed differing role-specific perspectives on shared themes between survivors and interventionists as well as potential implementation strategies for enhancing exercise participation and exercise program uptake among rural female cancer survivors. CONCLUSION: Exploring multi-level stakeholder perspectives on cancer survivors' exercise needs and related strategies yields important information for organizations to consider when implementing exercise programs in rural contexts.

Beyond efficacy: a qualitative organizational perspective on key implementation science constructs important to physical activity intervention translation to rural community cancer care sites.

PURPOSE: To identify constructs relevant to implementation of evidence-based physical activity (PA) behavior change interventions for rural women cancer survivors from an organizational perspective. METHODS: During the development of a PA intervention implementation toolkit, 11 potential interventionists and 19 community and organizational stakeholders completed focus groups stratified by role. Narratives were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded for Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) constructs. RESULTS: Multiple CFIR constructs were identified: Implementation Process (i.e., Engaging, Reflecting and Evaluating), Intervention Characteristics (i.e., Design Quality and Packaging, Cost, Evidence Strength and Quality, Adaptability, Complexity), Inner Setting (i.e., Implementation Readiness, Implementation Climate, Structural Characteristics), Outer Setting (i.e., Patient Needs and Resources, Cosmopolitanism), and Characteristics of Individuals (i.e., Knowledge and Beliefs, Stage of Change). Narratives identified rural implementation barriers (e.g., transportation) and facilitators (e.g., community-oriented). Unique needs of the cancer survivor (e.g., coping during cancer treatment and long-term effects on physical abilities) were emphasized as important barriers potentially addressed through Adaptability and Readiness implementation strategies. Narratives identified multi-level (i.e., individual-, organizational-, and community-level) strategies for targeting the identified constructs. CONCLUSIONS: Fourteen CFIR constructs emerged as potentially important for organizations to consider when implementing PA interventions. Constructs were integrated into our implementation toolkit and research testing their potential mechanisms of action when implementing PA interventions in rural settings is warranted. IMPLICATIONS: Strategies that target the identified constructs may enhance the implementation of PA programs for rural cancer survivors. Cancer survivors can facilitate these efforts by partnering with their health care providers and community organizations. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Organizations promoting physical activity programs for cancer survivors must overcome implementation barriers including but not limited to cost, necessary expertise, and lack of awareness. Cancer survivors can facilitate these efforts by partnering with their health care providers, cancer center, and local community organizations to raise awareness and champion these efforts. It will "take a village", with cancer survivors being their own best advocate, to bring physical activity promotion to a broad range of cancer survivors.