A Decision Tree Analysis on the Impact of a Technology-Based Program on Symptom Distress

Abstract

Using a decision tree analysis, this study aimed to identify the characteristics of the groups within Asian American breast cancer survivors whose symptom distress scores were effectively improved by a technology-based program. This was a secondary analysis of the data from an ongoing randomized controlled trial among 115 Asian American breast cancer survivors. The instruments were questions on background factors; the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form; the Cancer Behavior Inventory; the Questions on Attitudes, Subjective Norm, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Behavioral Intention; and the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form 34. The data were analyzed using chi-square tests, t tests, repeated measurement analyses, and decision tree analyses. The decrease in the global distress index scores was the largest (1.253 points) among those with high psychological support needs. The decrease in the physical symptom distress scale scores was the largest (1.133 points) among those with high physical and daily living support needs who had a short US residence period and who were young. The decrease in the psychological symptom distress scores was the largest (1.511) among those with high psychological support needs. The findings suggest several characteristics of the groups within Asian American breast cancer survivors whose symptom distress could be highly improved by a technology-based intervention.

A Decision Tree Analysis on Symptom Experience of Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors

“…5-7 Furthermore, Asian Americans often lack information and support despite the reported high support from their families. 5-7 Indeed, Asian American breast cancer survivors are a group in considerable need of information and coaching/support for their symptom management. 6-8…”

“…[5][6][7] Furthermore, little has been reported about the characteristics of highrisk groups within Asian American breast cancer survivors in terms of their symptom experience. [5][6][7] Risk Groups Among Asian American Breast Cancer SurvivorsMainly due to their unique cultural attitudes toward symptoms (e.g., stoicism) and breast cancer (stigma), Asian American breast cancer survivors tend to suffer with symptoms and often delay in getting treatments, information, and support. 5,6 In Asian culture, in general, stoicism, which means 1204294WJ NXXX10.…”

“…4 Despite the importance of symptom management among breast cancer survivors, little is still known about the symptom experience of specific breast cancer survivor populations including Asian Americans. [5][6][7] Furthermore, little has been reported about the characteristics of highrisk groups within Asian American breast cancer survivors in terms of their symptom experience. [5][6][7] Risk Groups Among Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors…”

“…[5][6][7] Thus, compared with other racial/ethnic groups, Asian Americans are frequently hesitant to report their survivorship issues/concerns, including symptoms. [5][6][7] Furthermore, Asian Americans often lack information and support despite the reported high support from their families. [5][6][7] Indeed, Asian American breast cancer survivors are a group in considerable need of information and coaching/support for their symptom management.…”

“…[5][6][7] Furthermore, Asian Americans often lack information and support despite the reported high support from their families. [5][6][7] Indeed, Asian American breast cancer survivors are a group in considerable need of information and coaching/support for their symptom management. [6][7][8] To improve the management process of symptoms among Asian American breast cancer survivors, it would be critical to first determine risk groups among them to provide directions for future interventions.…”