Digital literacy linked to engagement and psychological benefits among breast cancer survivors in Internet‐based peer support groups

Abstract

Objective Internet‐based peer support groups (ISGs) represent an innovative, scalable approach to addressing information and support needs of cancer survivors. However, this innovation may not benefit survivors equally due to population variance in digital literacy. This study examined how digital literacy influences level of engagement in and psychological benefits from participating in ISGs for breast cancer (N = 183). Methods Secondary analysis of data from a randomised trial of ISGs that included behavioural measures of engagement, subjective ratings and psychological distress symptoms. Results Digital literacy was positively related to education level (p = .005). Relative to women with high digital literacy, those with lower digital literacy were more likely to report difficulties using the ISG and to value the user's guide and facilitator assistance (all p's < .05). Digital literacy was negatively correlated with computer anxiety pre‐intervention, distress before and after online chat during the intervention and post‐intervention depressive symptoms (all p's < .05). Conclusion Low digital literacy is associated with computer anxiety and barriers to ISG use, as well as distress during and after ISG use. Digital literacy must be taken into account when designing or delivering innovative digital interventions for cancer survivors.

Internet-delivered Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for anxiety and depression in cancer survivors: Predictors of treatment response

“…However, as noted in our main study ( Nissen et al, 2020 ), higher age was associated with attrition. In addition to age and educational level, it could, therefore, in future studies be relevant to consider computer literacy, which has previously been found to be associated with both older age and lower educational level, as well as with treatment response ( Lepore et al, 2019 ).…”

“…In the recent meta-analysis, older mean sample age was associated with smaller effects ( Cillessen et al, 2019 ), which is also what was found in a previous study of an online Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery program, delivered in groups via video conference ( Zernicke et al, 2016 ). A study investigating computer literacy and participation in online support groups for cancer patients found that older participants with lower levels of education had lower levels of digital literacy and experienced less improvement in psychological distress, compared with younger participants with higher levels of education ( Lepore et al, 2019 ). Generally, older age has been found related to lower levels of psychological distress in cancer patients ( Linden et al, 2012 ; Götze et al, 2020 ), and, due to floor effects, thus older age could also be associated with smaller effects.…”

Anxiety and depression after breast cancer: The predictive role of monoamine levels

“…Physical exercise, for instance, increases the free tryptophan available for 5-HT synthesis (Chaouloff, 1997). Anxiety and/or depressive symptoms have also been attenuated by group-delivered cancer parenting programs and internet-based peer support groups (Lepore et al, 2019;Lewis et al, 2020).…”

A History of #BCSM and Insights for Patient-Centered Online Interaction and Engagement

“…However, large segments of the population, including older adults, patients with lower education or socioeconomic status, and those with low digital literacy, are likely not being served by online support communities. 10,21 It is important for people involved in developing digital information and support tools to ensure that these patients are not left out.…”