Facebook-based Physical Activity Intervention for Young Adult Cancer Survivors: the FITNET Randomized Pilot Study

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a behavioral intervention, delivered through an existing social networking website (Facebook), on physical activity (moderate-intensity minutes per week) among young adult cancer survivors compared to a self-help education condition. For this research study, investigators will conduct a 12-week randomized trial. After a baseline survey, weekly messages, a pedometer, goal-setting tool, physical activity log and discussion prompts will be delivered to the intervention group. Comparison group participants will receive links to websites with self-help education materials. After 12 weeks, a follow-up survey will be given to both groups. Changes in physical activity, quality of life and psychosocial factors will be examined. The investigators hypothesize that those receiving the intervention will have improved physical activity behaviors at 12-week follow-up relative to those in the comparison group.

Official Title
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Facebook-based Physical Activity Intervention for Young Adult Cancer Survivors: the FITNET Randomized Pilot Study

Conditions
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Physical Activity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Facebook-based Messages/Website
* Behavioral: Facebook-based Self-help Comparison


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Young adult between ages 21-39 diagnosed with cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) at age 18 or older At least 1 year beyond date of diagnosis with no evidence of progressive disease or second primary cancers Completed cancer treatment English-speaking and writing No pre-existing medical condition(s) or contraindications that preclude adherence to an unsupervised exercise program, including cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, pulmonary conditions, renal disease, and severe orthopedic conditions Not adhering to the American Cancer Society's recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (<150 minutes/week) Have access to Internet service and an active Facebook account Willing to be randomized Have indicated consent by checking yes to the online consent form Exclusion Criteria: Non-English speaking < 21 and > 39 years of age Diagnosed with cancer less than one year previously or still in treatment Pre-existing medical condition(s) that preclude adherence to an unsupervised exercise program, including cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, pulmonary conditions, renal disease, and severe orthopedic conditions

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 21 Years
Maximum Age: 39 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Facebook-based Self-help Comparison<br>Participants will receive a pedometer and twelve weekly messages with links to Internet resources that have educational materials related to exercise and cancer survivorship. | Behavioral: Facebook-based Self-help Comparison<br>* Twelve weekly messages and a pedometer.<br>|
| Experimental: Facebook-based Messages/Website<br>Participants will receive a pedometer, twelve weekly messages, and be encouraged to participate in sixteen Facebook group discussions and use a website for exercise goal-setting and tracking activity. | Behavioral: Facebook-based Messages/Website<br>* Twelve weekly messages, a pedometer, sixteen group discussions, and access to an exercise website to promote increased physical activity.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Primary study outcome measures at the participant level will be minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week and exercise in MET-hrs/week. |  | Participants will be assessed at baseline (before 12-week study period) and after 12 weeks. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quality of life |  | Participants will be assessed at baseline (before 12-week study period) and after 12 weeks. | 
| Psychosocial factors | Examine potential mediators of the effect of the intervention, including changes in self-efficacy, social support and self-monitoring behaviors | Participants will be assessed at baseline (before 12-week study period) and after 12 weeks. | 
| Utilization of program components/activities |  | Participants will be assessed at baseline (before 12-week study period) and after 12 weeks. | 
| Perceptions of program components/activities |  | Participants will be assessed at baseline (before 12-week study period) and after 12 weeks. | 
| Communication factors | Examine potential mediators of the effect of the intervention, including message trust, relevance and recall | Participants will be assessed at baseline (before 12-week study period) and after 12 weeks. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Physical Activity, Young Adults, Cancer Survivors