Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government
Veterans Benefits and Health Care About VA Find a VA Location

VA Health Systems Research

Go to the VA ORD website
Go to the QUERI website

HSR&D Citation Abstract

Search | Search by Center | Search by Source | Keywords in Title

A culturally tailored Internet cancer support group for Asian American breast cancer survivors: A randomized controlled pilot intervention study.

Chee W, Lee Y, Im EO, Chee E, Tsai HM, Nishigaki M, Yeo SA, Schapira MM, Mao JJ. A culturally tailored Internet cancer support group for Asian American breast cancer survivors: A randomized controlled pilot intervention study. Journal of telemedicine and telecare. 2017 Jul 1; 23(6):618-626.

Dimensions for VA is a web-based tool available to VA staff that enables detailed searches of published research and research projects.

If you have VA-Intranet access, click here for more information vaww.hsrd.research.va.gov/dimensions/

VA staff not currently on the VA network can access Dimensions by registering for an account using their VA email address.    Search Dimensions for VA for this citation
* Don't have VA-internal network access or a VA email address? Try searching the free-to-the-public version of Dimensions


Abstract:

Introduction The necessity of culturally competent Internet Cancer Support Groups (ICSGs) for ethnic minorities has recently been highlighted in order to increase its attractiveness and usage. The purpose of this study was to determine the preliminary efficacy of a culturally tailored registered-nurse-moderated ICSG for Asian American breast cancer survivors in enhancing the women's breast cancer survivorship experience. Methods The study included two phases: (a) a usability test and an expert review; and (b) a randomized controlled pilot intervention study. The usability test was conducted among five Asian American breast cancer survivors using a one-month online forum, and the expert review was conducted among five experts using the Cognitive Walkthrough method. The randomized controlled pilot intervention study (a pre-test and post-test design) was conducted among 65 Asian American breast cancer survivors. The data were analysed using content analysis and descriptive and inferential statistics including the repeated ANOVA. Results All users and experts positively evaluated the program and provided their suggestions for the display, educational contents, and user-friendly structure. There were significant positive changes in the support care needs and physical and psychological symptoms ( p? < 0.05) of the control group. There were significant negative changes in the uncertainty level of the intervention group ( p? < 0.10). Controlling for background and disease factors, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in physical and psychological symptoms and quality of life ( p? < 0.10). Discussion The findings supported the positive effects of ICSGs on support care needs, psychological and physical symptoms, and quality of life.




Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.