Nurse-led interventions on physical activity, supportive care, self-esteem and need experiences among breast cancer survivors

Murugan, Uma and Valveeman, Vijayalakshmi and Madhan, Jamuna and Wilson, Vinitha and Dhandapani, Jagadeswari and Rajendran, Shankar Shanmugam (2025) Nurse-led interventions on physical activity, supportive care, self-esteem and need experiences among breast cancer survivors. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 14 (2). pp. 914-924. ISSN 2582-8185

Purpose: Breast cancer is a major health issue affecting millions globally, necessitating effective post-treatment care to address the diverse challenges of survivorship. The study explores the efficacy of nurse-led interventions in enhancing physical activity, supportive care, and self-esteem among breast cancer survivors, addressing the comprehensive needs that emerge post-treatment. Methods: Employing a mixed-method approach with an Explanatory Sequential design, this study first conducted a quasi-experimental assessment using pre-test and post-test measurements among 90 breast cancer survivors in Chennai. The interventions included structured physical activities and educational sessions on supportive care and confidence-building. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were assessed through thematic content analysis. Results: Post-intervention results indicated a 50% increase in survivors meeting physical activity guidelines, a 42% decrease in reported supportive care needs, and a 57% improvement in self-esteem scores. Themes from qualitative analysis included "Emotional Reactions to Diagnosis," "Impact of the Illness," and "Support Received from the Family," highlighting the critical role of tailored interventions and emotional support in improving survivor outcomes. Conclusion: Nurse-led interventions have shown promising results in improving physical, emotional, and social well-being among breast cancer survivors. The study underscores the importance of incorporating structured, comprehensive care models in routine survivorship programs to enhance the quality of life for survivors.