Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Technology-Based Psychosocial Education and Counseling Program for Adolescent Survivors of Childhood Leukemia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In addition to increased survivorship in childhood leukemia, a small but significant number of survivors experience psychosocial challenges that affect their health-related quality of life (QOL) that require interventions to address these challenges. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the technology-based, psychosocial education and counseling program on survivors' QOL, self-efficacy, and coping skills within the scope of a health promotion model for adolescent survivors of childhood leukemia. METHODS: The randomized controlled trial was conducted with adolescent survivors of childhood leukemia who were between the ages of 12 and 18 and had completed treatment at least 2 years previously. Survivors were randomized to a technology-based intervention (n = 24) or a control group (n = 31). Survivors' QOL, self-efficacy, and coping skills were measured at 4 time points (baseline, postintervention, 1 month postintervention, and 3 months postintervention). RESULTS: The 3-month postintervention QOL total and psychosocial subscale scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P < .05). In addition, the emotional self-efficacy subscale scores and the active coping scores of the intervention group adolescents were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P < .05). Negative coping scores were lower in the intervention group than in the control group ( P < .05). CONCLUSION: Technology-based, psychosocial counseling and education positively affects the QOL, emotional self-efficacy, and coping skills of adolescent survivors of childhood leukemia. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This program could be integrated into follow-up care and used as one of the support methods in providing and maintaining long-term follow-up care by pediatric oncology nurses.

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