Behaviour change interventions for physical activity in people with chronic respiratory disease in Ireland: a survey of patients and providers perspectives.

Background

People living with chronic respiratory disease are less physically active than others [1]. The most effective interventions influencing physical activity behaviour in chronic respiratory disease remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the use and perceptions of behaviour change interventions among people with chronic respiratory disease and those who deliver physical activity programmes in The Republic of Ireland.

Methods

Two anonymous online and paper-copy cross-sectional surveys were piloted and distributed via social media and relevant gate-keepers between November 2023 - April 2024. Findings were summarised using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means and medians. Interventions were mapped to the COM-B model and the Theoretical Domains Framework [2, 3].

Results

The response rate to the provider survey was N=107 (71%) and N=112 people responded to the survey of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Encouragement was perceived by providers of physical activity programmes to be the most effective intervention to influence physical activity (81/84, 96%), followed by education (80/84, 95%) and individualized goal setting (79/84, 94%). People with COPD identified social support (76/105, 72%), which mapped to the most theoretical domains, and one-to-one interaction with a trainer (73/105, 70%) to be the most effective interventions influencing their physical activity behaviour. Using the COM-B model, motivation was identified as a common mechanism of action in influencing behaviour. 

Conclusions

Interventions including motivational components are frequently perceived as effective influencers of physical activity behaviour by people living with chronic respiratory disease and those who work with them in the Republic of Ireland.