Factors associated with early mobilization among colorectal cancer patients after surgery: A cross-sectional study (vol 64, 102317, 2023)

Purpose: To explore the status of early mobilization and the related factors associated with it in patients after colorectal cancer surgery. Methods: By convenience sampling, a total of 202 colorectal cancer patients were recruited in this cross-sectional study from September 2020 to March 2021. Data about demographic characteristics, early mobilization status (the time to first out-of-bed mobilization, the ambulatory distance on the first postoperative day, and the completion of early mobilization), early mobilization knowledge, and health belief were collected. Factors associated with early mobilization were identified using multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis. Results: The time to first out-of-bed mobilization after colorectal cancer surgery was (30.43 +/- 13.95) hours. The ambulatory distance on the first postoperative day was (41.87 +/- 69.05) meters. Overall, 51.49% of the participants completed early mobilization. This study found that non-urban colorectal cancer patients with low levels of early mobilization knowledge were more likely to perform poorly on early mobilization. Patients with VAS scores <= 3 and without postoperative nausea were associated with longer ambulatory distances and improved completion of early mobilization. In addition, being married, postoperative ECG monitoring <12 h, medical insurance for urban residents, and health belief (perceived control) could advance the time to first out of-bed mobilization. Moreover, employed patients walked longer distances than those unemployed. Better health beliefs (personal health beliefs) can also promote the completion of early mobilization. Conclusion: The study results provide insight into context-specific factors associated with early mobilization. These insights could support the development of interventions to improve patients' early mobilization status. Health professionals should pay high attention to early mobilization and take appropriate measures accordingly.