Abstract 5881: The efficacy of a technology-based support program on survivorship experience: Asian American breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: A technology-based intervention without face-to-face interactions could work better for many women from cultures where breast cancer is still a stigmatizing experience. Also, a technology-based intervention could meet the necessity of information and support without time and/or geographical restrictions. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of a technology-based support program for Asian American breast cancer survivors (TICAA) in enhancing the women’s breast cancer survivorship experience. Methods: This was a randomized controlled intervention with repeated measures (pretest [Time Point 0; T0], post 1-month [T1], and post 3-months [T2]). A total of 199 Asian American breast cancer survivors were recruited/retained through online and offline settings and included in the data analysis. While the intervention group was requested to use the TICAA and the American Cancer Society (ACS) website on breast cancer for 3 months, the control group was requested to use the ACS website for 3 months. Multiple instruments were used: the Cancer Behavior Inventory (CBI), the Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ), the Perceived Isolation Scale (PIS), the Support Care Needs Survey-34 Short Form (SCNS), the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-Breast Cancer (FACT-B). The data were analyzed using growth curve models, fitted within the framework of mixed effects modeling, and mediation analyses. Results: Within the mixed-effect model, there were significant decreases in the needs for help scores (SCNS scores) from T0 to T2 (β = -3.0236, p = .005) and the symptom distress scores (MSAS scores) from T0 to T1 and T2 (β = -2.8131, p < .001; β = -3.0356, p < .001). Yet, the change over time in the quality-of-life scores (FACT-B scores) was not statistically significant although the fixed effect of time was significant (β = -1.0476, p = .004). All the theory-based mediators (attitudes, self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and social influences) had statistically significant mediating impact on all outcome variables (needs for help, symptom distress, and quality-of-life; all p < .001), but there were differences in the mediating effects among different individual outcome variables. Conclusions: The findings supported the efficacy of the technology-based program in reducing the need for help and symptoms of Asian American breast cancer survivors. Further studies are needed on the differences in the effects of theory-based mediators on different outcome variables. Citation Format: Eun-Ok Im, Wonshik Chee, Sudeshna Paul, TICAA Research Team. The efficacy of a technology-based support program on survivorship experience: Asian American breast cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5881.