Expression and reception of treatment information in breast cancer support groups: How health self-efficacy moderates effects on emotional well-being

Abstract

Objectives-To examine the effects of exchanging treatment information within computermediated breast cancer support groups on emotional well-being, and to explore whether this relationship is moderated by health self-efficacy.Methods-Sample: 177 breast cancer patients using an electronic Health (eHealth) program with discussion group. Measure: expression and reception of treatment information; emotional wellbeing scale (0, 4 months). Analyses: hierarchical regression.Results-Effects of expression and reception of treatment information on emotional well-being were significantly greater for those who have higher health self-efficacy. Conclusions-Resultsconditionally support prior research finding positive effects of treatment information exchanges among breast cancer patients. Such exchanges had a positive impact on emotional well-being for those with higher health self-efficacy, but they had a negative influence for those with lower health self-efficacy.Practice implications-Given that the association between emotional well-being and exchanging treatment information was moderated by health self-efficacy, clinicians should explain the role of health self-efficacy before encouraging patients to use eHealth systems for treatment exchanges.

The Role of the Family Environment and Computer-Mediated Social Support on Breast Cancer Patients’ Coping Strategies

“…Other researchers, however, argue that not all patients might benefit equally from CMSS groups (Shaw, Han, Hawkins, McTavish, & Gustafson, 2008). This argument has been supported by the presence of several moderator variables, such as personality factors, demographic characteristics and medical knowledge (Gustafson et al, 2001; Gustafson et al, 2005; Namkoong et al, 2010). In this regard, the family environment could function as an as unexplored moderator, improving benefits from CMSS groups for cancer patients, which previous research has overlooked.…”

After initial treatment for primary breast cancer: information needs, health literacy, and the role of health care workers

“…Breast cancer patients are especially satisfied with the information and emotional support provided by their oncology nurse during their treatment period [6]. Furthermore, cancer patients find interaction with other patients in a social support group that can provide the group members with opportunities to give and receive informational support [7].…”

Inclusion of Underserved Racial and Ethnic Groups in Cancer Intervention Research Using New Media: A Systematic Literature Review

“…The intervention was LIFECommunity, a mobile social networking and video sharing intervention program providing identity formation support for young adult survivors of childhood cancer. Eight additional studies (26,28,29,39,(47)(48)(49)53) did not explicitly investigate disparities but did so indirectly through a focus on the digital divide and communication disparities affecting underserved populations. All of these studies examined the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS), a home-based and Internet-based eHealth program to improve quality of life among breast cancer patients described in detail by Gustafson et al (26).…”