"Salud Mamaria", an internet-based psychoeducational program during the breast cancer diagnosis process: Protocol for...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Breast cancer diagnosis presents challenges including lack of information and psychological distress.
• Psychoeducational interventions can improve women's well-being during this process.
• The Salud Mamaria Internet-Based Psychoeducational Program (IBPP) offers three tailored interventions (A, B, C).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in study variables after each of the three IBPP interventions (A, B, C).
• To compare study variables between the IBPP group and an active control group.
• To assess the impact of the IBPP on women's psychological health during breast cancer diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• A superiority trial with a randomized experimental design comparing an IBPP group to an active control group.
• Participants were assigned to interventions A, B, or C based on clinical status (no suspicion, suspicion, or diagnosis).
• Anxiety, negative screening consequences, sense of coherence, satisfaction, and usability were measured via online questionnaires pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The IBPP demonstrated positive impacts on study variables across its interventions.
• Significant differences were observed between the IBPP and the active control group.
• The program effectively addressed psychological needs during the breast cancer diagnostic process.

Conclusions:

• Psychoeducational programs delivered online can enhance well-being for women during breast cancer diagnosis.
• The IBPP may improve adherence to medical screening recommendations.
• The intervention effectively mitigates information deficits and reduces patient distress.