A Randomized Controlled Trial: eHealth Interventions for Self-Management and Psychological Coping in Cancer Patients

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Cancer patient self-management and coping are crucial for quality of life and treatment outcomes.
• eHealth interventions offer accessible, personalized solutions for symptom management, treatment adherence, and psychological distress reduction.
• Digital tools are increasingly important in oncology for bridging care gaps and supporting patients with limited access to in-person care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an eHealth intervention in enhancing self-management and coping strategies among cancer patients.
• To assess the impact of digital health tools on patient empowerment and psychological well-being in oncology.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial (RCT) adhering to CONSORT guidelines.
• A pre-test/post-test design with a study group and a control group involving 212 participants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Utilized the Symptom-Management Self-Efficacy Scale (SMSE) and Jaloweic Coping Scale for data collection.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation (r = 0.267, p = 0.006) between improved coping behaviors and enhanced self-management practices was observed in the study group post-intervention.
• The study group showed significant improvements in self-management practices and coping behaviors, unlike the control group (r = 0.081, p = 0.412).
• Pre-intervention, correlations between coping and self-management were weak and insignificant in both groups.

Conclusions:

• The eHealth intervention effectively improved self-management and coping strategies in cancer patients.
• Self-management and coping strategies are interrelated, with demographic factors influencing intervention effectiveness.
• eHealth interventions represent a valuable tool for enhancing cancer care and patient outcomes.