Using Information Communication Technology to Deliver Brief Motivational Interviewing

Using Information Communication Technology to Deliver Brief Motivational Interviewing to Promote Regular Physical Activity Among Chinese Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to examine the efficacy of using Information Communication Technology (ICT) to deliver brief Motivational Interviewing (BMI) to promote regular physical activity among Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors.

A substantial body of evidence has indicated that improved childhood cancer survival has inevitably been accompanied by increased chronic physical problems and adverse psychological late-effects of cancer and its treatment. The frequently reported physiological and psychological sequelae included cancer-related fatigue, reduced muscle strength, decreases in functional capacity, activity intolerance, depression and distorted self-esteem, which in turn severely comprises their quality of life.

There is a growing body of evidence highlighting the beneficial effects of physical activity on the physiological and psychological health of childhood cancer survivors. Particularly, substantial evidence reveals that engaging in regular moderate-intensity physical activity can help ameliorate some of the treatment-related adverse effects experienced by childhood cancer survivors, such as reduce cancer-related fatigue, enhance muscle strength, improve cardiovascular fitness and eventually lead to a better quality of life.

Evidence demonstrates that education alone is insufficient or unlikely to change behavior. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a directive, client-centered counseling strategy which differs from prevailing patient education to support clients to explore and resolve their ambivalence about changing their behaviors. Meanwhile, there is an increase in the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) for health care delivery and health promotion. Using instant messaging (i.e. WhatsApp or WeChat) allows quick, direct and continuing professional advice and support for the parents to promote their child's level of physical activity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of using ICT to deliver BMI to promote regular physical activity among Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors.

The Inclusion Criteria for eligible Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivals are as follows:

• Aged 9 to 16 years;
• Able to speak Cantonese and read Chinese;
• Had completed cancer treatment at least six months previously; and
• currently do not engage in regular physical exercise.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The investigators will exclude childhood cancer survivors with evidence of recurrence or second malignancies, and those with physical impairment or cognitive and learning problems identified from their medical records.

Additionally, parents (either father or mother; the primary caregiver of childhood cancer survivors) must be able to:

• Speak Cantonese and read Chinese,
• Use a smartphone and can use an instant messaging tool (e.g., WhatsApp/WeChat); and
• Are willing to receive health promotion advice and interact with our interventionist via WhatsApp/WeChat on a smartphone throughout the study period.