An intervention based on protective factors to improve resilience for gastric cancer patients: A pilot study

Due to the high frequency and mortality rate of gastric cancer, the mental health of patients diagnosed with this disease is particularly concerning, considering that chemotherapy, which is the primary treatment, causes both physical and emotional suffering. Therefore, we conducted a pilot trial as an initial evaluation of our constructed psychological resilience intervention program.

The intervention program was initially evaluated through a quasi-experimental study in which participants were grouped according to time of admission, with the control group receiving usual care and the intervention group receiving a psychological resilience intervention by the intervention team.

The pilot study was completed by 31 participants, with a recruitment rate of 73.3%, a completion rate of 93.9%, and a compliance rate of 60%. The intervention was well-received by all participants. Furthermore, in terms of the intervention's effectiveness, the higher hospe of the intervention group (N = 15) significantly increased (t = -3.682, P = 0.019). Although a remarkable increase in resilience (t = -2.584, P = 0.019) was observed, the difference was not obvious (t = -1.280, P = 0.211).

The intervention program for psychological resilience in patients with stomach cancer during chemotherapy was successful. Our program offers fresh ideas for such interventions as well as new clinical care recommendations.