Impact of a behavior change program and health education on social interactions in survivors of head and neck cancer: Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study of survivors of head and neck cancer was to evaluate the effects of a behavior change program and health education on depression, fear of social interactions, avoidance of social interactions, physical function, and social-emotional function.Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial of 100 subjects, in which changes in the scores of several psychometric scales were recorded for an experimental group (behavior change program and health education) and a control group (routine care only). Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), and at 1 month (T1), 2 months (T2), and 3 months (T3) after completing the intervention.Results: After the intervention, the experimental group reported significantly less fear of social interactions, less avoidance of social interactions, and better physical function than the control group. The experimental group also had less depression at T3 than at T0, although there was no such change in the control group. Analysis of physical function indicated that both groups experienced improvements from T0 to T1, slight declines from T1 to T2, and slight declines from T2 to T3; however, both groups had significantly better physical function at T3 than at T0. Conclusions: Head and neck cancer patients who received a behavior change program and health education reported less fear of social interactions, less avoidance of social interactions, and improved physical function during the 3 months after this intervention. KEYWORDS behavior change program, cancer, depression, head and neck cancer, health education, oncology, social interaction, survival

Nonpharmacological Treatment for Supporting Social Participation of Adults with Depression

“…Thus, these programs help to establish a visible behavioral change in social participation and affirm the programs at the strong level of certainty and low risk of bias, especially in the study of the behavioral change program [32]. Health care practitioners can use these programs to impart social support by matching individual goals with social needs to improve treatment responsiveness and develop social skills [48] that possibly advocate QoL and prevent the risk of depression relapse.…”

“…Third, BCPHE (Chen et al 2019 [32]) showed progressive physical function from one to three months after participation. Consecutive sessions from the introduction,…”

“…Occupational Therapy International application of principle into practice, discussion, and reflective feedback from BCPHE may have produced this excellent result [32]. Furthermore, a digital video disc was provided for practicing after the lesson to maintain positive behaviors [32].…”

“…Chen et al 2019 [32] In-home cognitive behavioral therapy and home visit (IH-CBT+HV) Ammerman et al 2013 [30] Behavioral activation for depression and lifestyle intervention (BADLI) [37]) had an unclear risk of detection bias. Every study reported findings with a low risk of attrition and biased reporting.…”

“…2014 [35]), schizophrenia, and personality and behavioral disorder (Berget et al 2011 [28]). Four of the 10 studies categorized the participants into depressive symptoms with comorbidities, such as stroke (Graven et al 2011 [29]), head and neck cancer (HNC) (Chen et al 2019 [32]), spine fusion (Strøm et al 2019 [33]), and obesity (Kern et al 2019 [34]), while one study cultivated in depressed mothers (Ammerman et al 2013 [30]).…”