Brief Summary This study evaluates the effectiveness of a structured eHealth-based educational and support intervention in improving self-management practices and psychological coping behaviors among adult cancer patients. Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with study and control groups, the intervention integrates online education, interactive sessions, and digital communication platforms to enhance symptom management, emotional regulation, and adaptive coping strategies. The findings aim to inform scalable digital health solutions in oncology care.
Cancer patients often experience complex physical and psychological challenges related to disease progression and treatment side effects. eHealth interventions offer accessible, personalized, and cost-effective tools that support patient engagement, self-efficacy, and coping. This study applies a structured eHealth intervention grounded in Self-Determination Theory to enhance autonomy, competence, and relatedness among cancer patients. The intervention includes synchronous online sessions, digital educational materials, and ongoing communication via mobile platforms over six weeks. Outcomes are measured using validated self-management and coping scales before and after the intervention. The study contributes evidence on the effectiveness of digital health interventions within the Saudi Arabian healthcare context.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
212
The intervention consists of structured online educational sessions delivered via video conferencing platforms, supported by digital educational materials including videos and informational resources. The program incorporates scenario-based discussions, peer interaction, and continuous follow-up communication. The content focuses on symptom self-management, emotional regulation, and adaptive coping strategies for cancer patients.
Faculty of Nursing
Zagazig, Egypt
Change in Symptom-Management Self-Efficacy Score
Measured using the Symptom-Management Self-Efficacy Scale (SMSE) developed by Liang et al. (2015). The scale consists of 27 items across three subscales: acquiring problem-solving (7 items), managing chemotherapy-related symptoms (15 items), and managing emotional and interpersonal disturbance (5 items). Each item is scored on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (not at all confident) to 10 (completely confident). The total possible score ranges from 0 to 270. Higher scores indicate greater perceived self-efficacy in symptom management.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks (immediately post-intervention)
Change in Coping Behavior Score
Measured using the Jalowiec Coping Scale developed by Jalowiec and Powers (1981). The scale includes 40 items divided into two subscales: affective-oriented coping (25 items) and problem-oriented coping (15 items). Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (always). The total possible score ranges from 0 to 160. Higher scores indicate greater use of coping strategies.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks (post-intervention)
Correlation Between Self-Efficacy and Coping Scores
Assessment of the correlation between total Symptom-Management Self-Efficacy Scale scores and total Jalowiec Coping Scale scores at post-intervention.
Time frame: 6 weeks (post-intervention)
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