Brief culturally informed smartphone interventions decrease breast cancer symptom burden among Latina breast cancer...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) experience greater symptom burden and lower quality of life compared to non-Latina BCS.
• Culturally tailored, accessible resources are limited for this population.
• Smartphone applications offer a potential platform for delivering evidence-based interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of two smartphone applications, My Guide and My Health, for Latina BCS.
• To evaluate participant recruitment, retention, and satisfaction.
• To measure the impact of the applications on symptom burden and health-related quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Eighty Latina BCS were randomized to use either the My Guide or My Health app for six weeks.
• Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up.
• Outcomes included recruitment/retention rates, satisfaction, symptom burden, and quality of life.

Main Results:

• Recruitment was feasible (79%), retention was excellent (>90%), and satisfaction was high (>90%).
• Participants used the apps for over an hour weekly.
• Symptom burden decreased during the intervention but was not sustained; breast cancer well-being improved and was maintained.

Conclusions:

• The My Guide and My Health apps demonstrated feasibility and preliminary efficacy in improving well-being for Latina BCS.
• Temporary reductions in symptom burden and sustained improvements in well-being were observed.
• Technology-based interventions may enhance engagement in care for Latina BCS post-treatment.