The Development and Evaluation of an Innovative Internet-Based Breast Cancer Psychosocial Intervention
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate an Internet-based psychosocial intervention for women with primary breast cancer. During the project (10/1/99 to 9/31/02), the following tasks were completed: (1) 9 women participated in a pilot of the Internet-based psychosocial intervention, and 92 women were randomized to the Internet- based psychosocial intervention or usual care (wait-list control group); (2) analyses of data collected from participants were completed; (3) preliminary text analyses of the support group messages were completed. Results: The analyses found that in comparison to wait-list control group participants, intervention group participants significantly reduced their depression, post-traumatic stress, and general stress scores. Significance: Women with primary breast cancer are able to participate in Internet-based psychosocial interventions and receive substantial benefits from their participation. Participants with very little computer experience were able to rapidly learn how to use the intervention website. They found that the group offered them a forum for providing and receiving emotional support, forming new friendships, understanding that their problems were not unique, confronting difficult problems and fears, and discussing sexual concerns with other group participants. This study adds to the growing literature on the benefits of psychosocial interventions for primary breast cancer patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADB287600
Entities
People
- C. B. Taylor
Organizations
- Stanford University