A pre-post evaluation of a digital intervention to improve psychosocial outcomes of caregivers of people living with cancer in Vietnam

Olinda Santin*, Hien Thi Ho, Chi Linh Bui, Huong Thi Nguyen, Hung Quang Ta, Ngan Thu Tran, Minh Van Hoang, Thinh Huy Quoc Dang, Thanh Minh Pham, Hiep Nhu Pham, Hoa Thi Chau, Hoai Thi Khanh Nguyen, Kha Van Vo, Thuy Thanh Pham, Lan Hoang Thanh Dao, Dung Xuan Ho, Penelope Schofield

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate a co-designed intervention using digital resources “Vietnam Cancer Caring Coping” (V-CCC) on the health literacy, depression, and quality of life of caregivers supporting a cancer patient in oncology hospitals in Vietnam.

Methods
A pre-post quantitative evaluation with adult cancer caregivers across regional Oncology hospitals in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, and Hue). Participants completed baseline and follow-up measures of health literacy (HLS-SF12) depression (PHQ-9) and Health-related Quality of Life (5Q-5D-5L). Participants accessed and reviewed V-CCC for a 2-week period.

Results
Two hundred and thirty-four caregivers completed pre and post-tests. Most participants were female (n = 143, 61%), married (n = 165, 70%), aged 18–44 (n = 155, 66%), lived rurally (n = 157, 67%). All health literacy scores of participants in post-intervention were significantly higher than that in pre-intervention across all domain’s healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion as well as the total score (p < 0.001). A significant reduction in the proportion of caregivers reporting PHQ-9 moderately severe/severe depression post-intervention was demonstrated (10.2 vs. 6.1%, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). No significant differences were observed pre and post-intervention across four 5Q-5D-5L health dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, and pain/discomfort. Regarding anxiety/depression as measured by 5Q-5D-5L the proportion of participants who reported having moderate, severe, and extreme problems in pre- and post-intervention was statistically significant (32 vs. 24%), respectively (p = 0.0028).

Conclusion
Co-designed digital resources can reduce health literacy inequities and improve psychological outcomes for cancer caregivers.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Psychosocial Oncology
Early online date02 Aug 2024
DOIs
Publication statusEarly online date - 02 Aug 2024

Keywords

  • health literacy
  • depression
  • Vietnam

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