Comparison of Objectively and Subjectively Measured Sedentary Behavior in Men with Prostate Cancer and a History of Androgen-Deprivation Therapy Use

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-08

Men with prostate cancer commonly receive Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) treatment at some point during treatment. Though efficacious, ADT has significant side effects, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. Emerging evidence indicates that reducing sedentary behavior (SB) may reduce the risk of diabetes and CVD. Given the co-morbidities, increased age, and side-effects of treatment among men with prostate cancer, reducing SB may offer a feasible means of reducing side effects associated with ADT. Eighteen men with prostate cancer and a history of ADT use completed a single-item sedentary time survey question. Participants were then fitted with accelerometers and objective SB was measured over seven days. Objective and self-reported measures of SB were then compared using Pearson correlation and Bland Altman Plots. Qualitative perceptions of SB were collected through semi-structured exit interviews at follow-up. On average participants underreported SB (5.9 hours/day, ±3.1) compared to objectively measured SB (9.6 hours/day, 2.5). Pearson correlation between objective and self-reported SB was .22 (p = 0.4). Bland-Altman plots indicated that participants underreported SB by 3.5 hours compared to objective measures. When discussing SB, participants commonly cited barriers to decreasing SB, facilitators for increasing SB, and perceptions of current SB. This pilot data suggest that men with prostate cancer and a history of ADT use have high levels of SB, but are largely unaware of their actual SB. While they are overwhelming interested in reducing their sedentary time, health reasons, lack of awareness, and enjoyment of sedentary activities present significant barriers to reducing sedentarism.