P07-06 Physical activity promotion in cancer patient: opinions and practices of health professionals

Abstract Background Literature suggests that health professionals (HPs) can play an important role in promoting physical activity (PA) in cancer patients (Jones et al., 2004). This study had three purposes: (1) analyzing HPs' knowledge and opinion about PA for cancer patients; (2) examining practices, barriers and roles that they identify when considering PA promotion in their patients; (3) determining factors that may enhance practices in this field. Methods This study was designed in two phases and took place in Wallonia, Belgium. The first phase was qualitative: 12 HPs were interviewed about their experiences with PA in cancer patients. Then, in the second (and quantitative) phase, an online survey was created based upon the results of the first phase and upon the relevant literature. We sent this second-phase survey to professional organizations, hospitals and medical health centers and received 68 responses. Results In both phases of the study, HPs seemed to be aware of the benefits of PA for cancer patients and considered that they have to play a role in promoting PA in that specific population. However, only 25% (n = 17) of HPs were familiar with the official PA guidelines. According to our results, HPs discuss the topic of PA with more than 7 out of 10 patients (7.11 ± 2.61). Lack of time and lack of knowledge about PA were identified as barriers to PA promotion. Finally, other relationships that may help to explain the role of HPs in PA promotion were uncovered: clinicians who used more information (e.g. PA benefits) (p = >0.001), exercised referrals (p = 0.012), and prescribed PA (p = 0.007) had higher intervention rates. Conclusions Our findings suggest that improving HPs' knowledge about PA guidelines and how it can be proposed to cancer patients could help them to promote PA and to encourage their patients to consult a PA specialist, and eventually adopt a physically active lifestyle.


Background
Physical activity on prescription (PAP) -like schemes, have been documented to encourage sustained increases in the levels of physical activity of populations.Although proven effective, these PA promotion schemes have only been implemented high-income countries (eg.Northern/Western Europe).The aim of this study was to explore the opportunity to test PAP (related) schemes in Romania, a developing country.

Methods
In the timeframe May-June 2018 we conducted a transversal study, using an online questionnaire adressed at general practitioners (GPs) in the county of Cluj.The instrument had 4 sections: 1. attitudes/opinions regarding role of GP in PA promotion; 2. GPs (current) behavior related to PA promotion in their practice; 3. Knowledge regarding the recommended PA levels for children, youth and adults; and 4. Socio-professional information.

Results
A number of 84 GPs (out of 350) have completed the questionnaire, for a response rate of aproximatelly 25%, the sample being representative of the population -considering gender distribution and workplace location, urban/rural.The majority of the GPs (78%) stated that their role in PA promotion is limited to broadly disscussing this topic with their patients.The more consultations they have (less time available), the more they are prone to promote PA in their practice (contrary to current literature).Only 1 in 5 GPs have reported the correct number of minutes of PA for both adults and children & youth.The lower measured knowledge, the higher were the self-assessed levels of knowledge regarding PA benefits they report.

Conclusion
Romanian GPs knowledge, attitudes and behavior related to PA prescription/recommendation are strongly influenced by lack of proper information, incentives and/or enforcement.Before attempting to introduce PAP in Romania, more Abstract citation ID: ckac095.106P07-06 Physical activity promotion in cancer patient: opinions and practices of health professionals Yoric Petitfre `re 1 , Je ´ro ˆme Rompen 1 , Marc Cloes 1 , Alexandre Mouton 1 1 Motor Sciences, University of Lie `ge, Lie `ge, Belgium Corresponding author: ypetitfrere@uliege.beBackground Literature suggests that health professionals (HPs) can play an important role in promoting physical activity (PA) in cancer patients (Jones et al., 2004).This study had three purposes: (1) analyzing HPs' knowledge and opinion about PA for cancer patients; (2) examining practices, barriers and roles that they identify when considering PA promotion in their patients; (3) determining factors that may enhance practices in this field.

Methods
This study was designed in two phases and took place in Wallonia, Belgium.The first phase was qualitative: 12 HPs were interviewed about their experiences with PA in cancer patients.Then, in the second (and quantitative) phase, an online survey was created based upon the results of the first phase and upon the relevant literature.We sent this secondphase survey to professional organizations, hospitals and medical health centers and received 68 responses.

Results
In both phases of the study, HPs seemed to be aware of the benefits of PA for cancer patients and considered that they have to play a role in promoting PA in that specific population.However, only 25% (n = 17) of HPs were familiar with the official PA guidelines.According to our results, HPs discuss the topic of PA with more than 7 out of 10 patients (7.11 AE 2.61).Lack of time and lack of knowledge about PA were identified as barriers to PA promotion.Finally, other relationships that may help to explain the role of HPs in PA promotion were uncovered: clinicians who used more information (e.g.PA benefits) (p = >0.001),exercised referrals (p = 0.012), and

Issue/problem
In 1984, cardiologists and cardiac patients created an association offering physical activity (PA) for people with cardiovascular diseases in Luxembourg (0.6 million inhabitants).During the last 20 years, several associations created therapeutic PA for people with a wide range of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).Today more than 70 hours of therapeutic PA are weekly offered.Nevertheless, the organization of these PA is incomplete and not enough patients benefit from it.Description of the problem Sustainability of privately organized courses is challenging.Despite a governmental financial support, the organization of PA offer remains mainly based on the idealism of a limited number of volunteers.However, this kind of commitment is disappearing and jeopardizes a correct offer of therapeutic PA.Only a minority of physicians are referring their patients on a regular basis and only a minority of them are engaging in an active lifestyle.

Results
A project was launched in 2013 to compile, monitor and promote the therapeutic PA offered by different associations.As a result of this project, six associations created a sport

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European Journal of Public Health, Volume 32 Supplement 2, 2022