mHealth Usage Among Nigeria Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy

Effect of a mHealth Psycho-educational Intervention (mPEI) on Self-efficacy, Coping, and Psychological Distress Among Women Receiving Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in Nigeria: A Randomised Controlled Trial

The research is studying the effect of a mHealth psychoeducational intervention on self-efficacy, coping and psychological distress of Nigerian women diagnosed with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy

The study is a two-arm assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial which will be conducted in two University Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria.

Aim The study aims to develop and implement a culturally adapted mHealth psychoeducational intervention (mPEI) for Nigerian women diagnosed with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy.

Objectives

1. To evaluate the effectiveness of the programme on self-efficacy (primary outcome), coping, symptom distress, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (secondary outcomes) among women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy
2. To explore the participants' experiences and feelings towards the intervention.

Hypothesis

It is hypothesised that participants who receive the mPEI program, when compared with the control group at baseline and immediately after the intervention, will demonstrate:

1. a significantly higher level of self-efficacy,
2. a significantly higher level of coping,
3. a significantly higher level of quality of life,
4. a significantly lower level of symptom distress,
5. a significantly lower level of anxiety and depression.

Inclusion Criteria: Include females who are:

1. newly diagnosed with breast cancer within the recent three months
2. currently receiving chemotherapy,
3. have access to a smartphone and internet,
4. are able to read and write in English,
5. are cognitively capable of completing the questionnaires,
6. consent to join the study.

Exclusion Criteria: Include females:

1. with a concurrent physical or mental illness (as these might act as a confounder)
2. cognitively impaired