The Efficacy of Decision Aids on Enhancing Early Cancer Screening: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Although cancer is a worldwide public health problem, it can be detected early and prevented through cancer screening. However, not all individuals are motivated to undergo cancer screening. Current studies have revealed that decision aids can impact decision-related outcomes among individuals at risk of cancer. However, their efficacy on decision knowledge and decision conflict remains unclear.

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to appraise the efficacy of decision aids on decision knowledge and conflict among people at risk of cancer.

Nine electronic databases were utilized to search the literature until October 31, 2024. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach were used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. The data were analyzed using Stata 16.0.

Thirteen relevant studies with 2971 participants published between 2002 and 2023. The pooled results showed that decision aids significantly improved decision knowledge (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI [0.19-0.72], p = 0.00) and decreased decision conflict (SMD = -0.47, 95% CI [-0.73 to -0.21], p = 0.00). Subgroup analyses revealed that the framework, format, population, and duration of decision aids can influence their effects on decision knowledge and decision conflict among people at risk of cancer.

This meta-analysis illuminates that decision aids are effective for improving decision knowledge and diminishing decision conflict among people at risk of cancer. The framework, format, population, and duration should be considered when developing decision aids. Our findings may suggest future directions for assisting people at risk of cancer in making informed decisions about cancer screening. Additional trustworthy research is required to verify these findings.