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Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship 6/2022

27-10-2021 | Fatigue

Effects of a WeChat-based multimodal psychoeducational intervention on psychological well-being and quality of life in acute leukaemia patients in China: a randomised controlled trial

Authors: Ying Wang, Lei Yang, Wenkui Xu, Chunfeng Wang, Jingyi Chen, Yong Wu, Rong Hu

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 6/2022

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Abstract

Purpose

The treatment and side effects of chemotherapy for acute leukaemia (AL) may cause both physical and psychological symptoms in patients. This study evaluated the effects of a WeChat-based multimodal psychoeducational intervention (ICARE programme) on fatigue, distress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) among adult AL patients.

Methods

In total, 72 participants were randomly assigned either to an intervention or control group (n = 36), respectively, from two large tertiary hospitals in Fuzhou, China (from April to December 2019). Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and after a 4-week follow-up using the Brief Fatigue Inventory, Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-leukaemia. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the participants and a linear mixed model was used to analyse the score changes.

Results

Between the two groups, there were statistically significant improvements in fatigue, distress, anxiety, depression, physical well-being, social/family well-being, emotional well-being, functional well-being (all p < 0.001), and leukaemia-specific subscale (p = 0.001). The difference over time was significant for leukaemia-specific subscale and fatigue, both (p < 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.001), and social/family well-being (p = 0.005). The interaction effects were significant for fatigue, distress, anxiety, physical well-being, social/family well-being, and emotional well-being, all (p < 0.001), depression (p = 0.019), leukaemia-specific subscale (p = 0.008), and total QoL score (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

WeChat-based multimodal psychoeducational intervention demonstrated a significant effect in reducing fatigue, distress, anxiety, depression, and QoL in AL patients. This ICARE programme contributed to continuing care to support AL patients.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

The ICARE programme can improve the mental health and QoL of AL patients. The application of WeChat-based psychoeducational interventions have significant potential to benefit cancer patients due to their reach and can be an added value to routine care.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Effects of a WeChat-based multimodal psychoeducational intervention on psychological well-being and quality of life in acute leukaemia patients in China: a randomised controlled trial
Authors
Ying Wang
Lei Yang
Wenkui Xu
Chunfeng Wang
Jingyi Chen
Yong Wu
Rong Hu
Publication date
27-10-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Keywords
Fatigue
Leukemia
Published in
Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 6/2022
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-021-01124-5

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