A theory‐driven psycho‐educational intervention programme for gynaecological cancer patients during treatment trajectory: A randomised controlled trial. Issue 2 (12th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chow, Ka Ming; Chan, Carmen W.H.; Choi, Kai Chow; Siu, Ka Yi; Fung, Hedy K.S.; Sum, Wai Man
• Is Part Of: Psycho-oncology. Volume 29:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 437
• Page End: 443
• Publication Date: 2019-11-12
• Subjects: anxiety -- gynaecological cancer -- oncology -- psycho‐education -- sexual functioning -- uncertainty; Cancer -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- psychology -- Periodicals; 616.9940019
• DOI: 10.1002/pon.5284
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-9249

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of a theory‐driven psycho‐educational intervention programme on uncertainty in illness, anxiety, and sexual functioning in a cohort of Chinese patients with gynaecological cancer. Methods: Women with newly diagnosed gynaecological cancer (n = 202) received either a four‐session, 12‐week‐long, culturally appropriate psycho‐educational intervention programme (n = 102) or attention from intervener (n = 100) in a two‐group randomised controlled trial. Patient‐reported measures included Chinese version of Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Scale (C‐MUIS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)–Anxiety subscale, and Sexual Function‐Vaginal Changes Questionnaire (SVQ). Data regarding uncertainty in illness and anxiety were collected at baseline and postintervention, while data on sexual functioning were collected postintervention. Results: Patients receiving psycho‐educational intervention reported significantly greater reductions in ambiguity, inconsistency, and overall uncertainty in illness, as measured by C‐MUIS ( P < .01). They were also more likely to be sexually active ( P = .037), report their partners having greater sexual interest ( P = .008), and perceive a significantly greater level of intimacy ( P = .001) in the SVQ. Conclusions: Given the growing population of gynaecological cancer survivors and the universal side effects of the disease and its related treatments, the established design and content of the psycho‐educational intervention programme should be incorporated into routine clinical practice.