Living habits affecting subsequent gastrointestinal cancer surgery: An interpretative phenomenological interview study

Purpose There is limited in-depth understanding of patients’ views and experiences with physical training, nutritional care, psychological support, and smoking/alcohol cessation prior to gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Therefore, patients' thoughts and influences regarding prehabilitation components are of interest in the effort to provide optimal supportive cancer care and to improve health. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ thoughts, lived experiences and influences regarding their living habits prior to gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Methods The participants in this qualitative study were recruited from a university hospital in southeast Sweden. In total, six in-depth digital interviews were held from November 2020 to March 2021. An interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was used throughout the research process. Results The interpretative analysis identified three themes: the influence of the cancer diagnosis on awareness and motivation, life circumstances affecting living habits and activities bringing mental strength. The main findings deepen the current understanding of the situation that patients face when committing to presurgical preparation plans. The participants expressed the impact of their motivation level and circumstances in life. Physical and mental health was promoted by various types of activities and support. Conclusion Motivation level and circumstances in life both influence living habits. Patients’ physical and mental health is promoted by various types of activities and support. Health care professionals need to investigate patients’ lived experiences when developing person-centred support to achieve health-promoting behaviour prior to cancer surgery.