ASPO Abstracts
A text messaging intervention to promote self management for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: a randomized controlled trial
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication, Lifestyles Behavior, Energy Balance & Chemoprevention
Conference Year: 2018
Abstract Body:
As a core component of cancer care, the use of chemotherapy is likely to increase considerably with projected increases in the incidence of breast cancer and advances in treatments. However, chemotherapy may improve overall survival; it is also often associated with substantial treatment- related toxic effects that negatively affect health-related quality of life. Mobile health strategies may be one innovative method to improve patient’s symptom management within a social cognitive theoretical framework while also facilitating doctor-patient communication in oncology outpatient care. Through at iterative patient-centered formative evaluation process, we developed an automatic bidirectional text messaging (TXT) intervention to help women to cope with breast cancer chemotherapy. In a randomized controlled trial, we compared symptom distress and quality of life among patients undergoing chemotherapy who received: 1) theory-based and evidence-informed text messages for education, symptom management and support for 8 cycles, or 2) usual care with ACS chemotherapy booklet. Symptom distress, quality of life, and other psychosocial variables were assessed monthly in both groups. The TXT group received daily texts and satisfaction with the intervention was assessed. Among 100 patients, 70 were Caucasian with a mean age of 59 years. Symptom distress was significantly lower and quality of life was higher in the TXT group at month 3. Regarding acceptability, 70% of eligible participants consented and 90% of the TXT group participants were satisfied with the intervention. TXT intervention participants texted back to the system for 2388 times requesting additional texts with a range of 3-58 requests. Feasibility and high satisfaction were established. Mobile health interventions show promise in promoting self management for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Keywords: social media, smoking cessation, postpartum relapse, underserved women