Explaining adherence to contrasted physical activity and nutrition scenarios in post-treatment childhood cancer patients: A cross-sectional study using variables from the Theory of Planned Behavior

Children diagnosed with cancer are vulnerable to long-term health issues. Engaging in physical activity (PA) and adopting a healthy diet could mitigate these risks. This study aimed to understand the role of variables from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in adherence to healthy/unhealthy PA and nutrition scenarios. Through convenience sampling, four ad hoc questionnaires measuring variables from the TPB were completed by 96 parents of children diagnosed with cancer in paper format or via a secure online platform to assess attitude, perceived behavioral control (PBC), subjective norms (SN), and intention. We performed a MANOVA and multiple linear regressions. We found an effect of behavior domain (F(3, 4828.66) = 6.467, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.004), and scenario (F(3, 152.86) = 76.495, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.600). Intention was a complete intermediary variable between attitude/SN and healthy nutrition. Attitude, PBC, and intention are promising targets for PA and nutrition behaviors. SN should also be targeted for nutrition behaviors.