Effect of AI-Assisted Expressive Writing on Anxiety, Emotional Distress, and Quality of Life Among Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07713381

Alexandria University100 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to evaluate the effect of an AI-assisted expressive writing intervention on anxiety, emotional distress, and quality of life among patients receiving chemotherapy. A mixed-methods, interventional research design will be employed. Participants will be assigned to either a study group receiving the AI-assisted expressive writing program in addition to routine care or a control group receiving routine care only. Quantitative data will be collected using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Qualitative data will be obtained through semi-structured interviews to explore participants' experiences with the intervention. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of AI-assisted expressive writing as a supportive strategy for improving psychological well-being and quality of life among patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

100

Conditions

Cancer Chemotherapy Anxiety

Interventions

AI-Assisted Expressive WritingBEHAVIORAL

Participants will engage in an AI-assisted expressive writing program in addition to routine chemotherapy care. The intervention consists of guided writing sessions delivered through an artificial intelligence platform that provides structured prompts to facilitate emotional expression, self-reflection, and disclosure of thoughts and feelings related to cancer and chemotherapy experiences.

Active Comparator: Routine Care GroupOTHER

Participants will receive routine chemotherapy care and standard nursing care provided by the oncology unit without participation in the AI-assisted expressive writing program.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients aged 18 years and above. * Diagnosed with any type of cancer and currently receiving chemotherapy treatment. * Able to read and write Arabic. * Able to communicate and express thoughts and feelings. * Have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet connectivity. * Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychosis or schizophrenia). * Having cognitive impairment that interferes with understanding or communication. * Currently receiving structured psychological therapy during the study period. * Unable to complete the study questionnaires or intervention sessions. * Refusal to participate or withdrawal from the study at any time.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Anxiety and Emotional Distress Scores

Anxiety and emotional distress will be measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Changes in participants' scores will be assessed before and after the intervention. Higher scores indicate greater levels of psychological distress.

Time frame: Baseline (Day 1) and Week 4 after intervention

Change in Quality of Life Scores

Quality of life will be assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Changes in quality-of-life scores will be evaluated before and after the intervention.

Time frame: Baseline (Day 1) and Week 4 after intervention

Secondary Outcomes

Participants' Experiences with AI-Assisted Expressive Writing

Participants' perceptions and experiences regarding the AI-assisted expressive writing intervention will be explored through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Time frame: Week 4 after intervention