(120) E-Mergir: Preliminary Efficacy of a Digital Psychological Intervention Program for Improving Mental Health, Sexual Health, and Quality of Life of Prostate Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide. The diagnosis of prostate cancer and associated treatments have a negative impact on people's physical, emotional, and sexual health, compromising their overall well-being and quality of life throughout the course of the disease. Despite the decreased levels of sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction associated with this type of cancer (Quinta-Gomes et al., 2019), patients' access to specialized healthcare and support is still limited. Given their flexibility and convenience, smartphone-based digital interventions can contribute to bridging this gap and constitute an important way to access specialized and personalized supportive care on emotional and sexual health for people with prostate cancer. Objective Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a digital psychological intervention program using smartphones aimed at improving the mental health, sexual health, and quality of life of prostate cancer survivors. Methods Methods: A randomized controlled pilot study is underway involving 30 prostate cancer survivors randomly assigned to an experimental group (with access to the program) and a waiting list control group (treatment as usual). The program was structured in five modules to be completed by the participants in a maximum period of 6 weeks while receiving support from a psychologist. The study was approved by an institutional Ethical Board. Acceptability, usability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy (overall improvement in sexual and relational satisfaction, sexual pleasure, sexual distress, psychopathology, and quality of life) were defined as the main outcomes of this study. Participants' assessments will take place in two moments, before and after the implementation of the program. Results Expected results: It is expected that the program and the experimental design adopted will prove to be adequate and have good acceptability by the participants. Improvements in sexual and relational satisfaction, sexual pleasure, sexual distress, psychopathology, and quality of life are also expected for participants using the program compared to those in the waiting-list group. Conclusions Conclusions: As a future empirical-based digital psychological intervention program focused on patients' unmet sexual needs, E-mergir will significantly contribute to addressing the emotional and sexual health and quality of life of people with prostate cancer. Funding: Horizon Europe, NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000057, CCDRN Disclosure No.