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Physical Activity, Trust, and Research Participation Among Men From Minority Ethnic Backgrounds Living With Prostate Cancer: A Qualitative Study

  • University of Derby
  • Loughborough University
  • University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Abstract

ObjectiveMen from minority ethnic backgrounds experience a disproportionate burden of prostate cancer yet remain underrepresented in physical activity-related and psycho-oncology research. This study aimed to explore (1) how men from diverse ethnic backgrounds experience and interpret physical activity (PA) following prostate cancer, and (2) how psychological, cultural, and structural factors influence their engagement with PA and research.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with ten men from African, Caribbean, Asian, and Middle Eastern backgrounds living with prostate cancer. Sampling continued until thematic saturation was achieved, consistent with qualitative methodological guidance. Data was analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. A patient-informed topic guide and culturally reflexive approach were used to ensure contextual sensitivity and psychological safety.ResultsSix interconnected themes were identified: (1) PA as Mental Renewal, Identity, and Connection; (2) Cancer-Related Disruption and Fragmented PA Support; (3) Barriers to Participation in PA and Research; (4) Trust, Representation, and Inclusive Research Practices; (5) Cultural Stigma, Silence, and Shifting Perspectives; and (6) Altruism, Legacy, and Motivation to Engage. PA was described as psychologically meaningful, supporting coping, identity, and continuity, but was frequently disrupted by inconsistent guidance and structural barriers. Trust, representation, and relational communication were central to research engagement. Findings informed the development of a Culturally Sensitive Recruitment Framework.ConclusionsPA engagement and research participation among minority ethnic men with prostate cancer are shaped by intersecting psychological, cultural, and structural factors. Culturally sensitive, relationship-centred approaches may strengthen integrated psycho-oncology care and promote more equitable research participation.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere70408
Number of pages14
JournalPsycho-Oncology
Volume35
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Feb 2026

Bibliographical note

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

Funding

The authors would like to thank all the men who generously shared their time, experiences, and perspectives during this study. We also wish to acknowledge the support of The Urology Foundation for funding this project through their Small Project Awards scheme. We are grateful to colleagues at University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support for facilitating recruitment and providing clinical insight throughout the project. Finally, we thank The Coventry Caribbean Association and Arawak Community Trust for their assistance with outreach and engagement. This work was supported by The Urology Foundation through a Small Project Award. The funder had no role in the study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation of findings, or the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. The authors would like to thank all the men who generously shared their time, experiences, and perspectives during this study. We also wish to acknowledge the support of The Urology Foundation for funding this project through their Small Project Awards scheme. We are grateful to colleagues at University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support for facilitating recruitment and providing clinical insight throughout the project. Finally, we thank The Coventry Caribbean Association and Arawak Community Trust for their assistance with outreach and engagement.

Funders
Urology Foundation
Coventry Caribbean Association
Arawak Community Trust

    UN SDGs

    This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
      SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

    Keywords

    • Humans
    • Prostatic Neoplasms
    • Exercise
    • Adaptation, Psychological
    • Trust
    • Qualitative Research
    • Minority Groups
    • Aged
    • Middle Aged
    • Male
    • Social Stigma
    • Ethnicity

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