Effect of a Psycho-educational Intervention on Psychological Outcomes of Gynecological Cancer Patients

Effect of a Psycho-educational Intervention on Psychological Outcomes and Quality of Life Among Gynecological Cancer Patients in El-shatby University Hospital, Alexandria: Randomized Controlled Trial

This study will be conducted to optimize the quality of care rendered for gynecological cancer patients attending the Gynecological Oncology Unit in El-Shatby University Hospital in Alexandria.As well as to assess the effect of implementing a psychoeducational intervention program among gynecological cancer women on the:

1. Quality of life with its different domains (physical, emotional, social and functional). "as a primary objective"
2. Psychological distress and cancer-specific stress. "as secondary objectives"

Cancer is a significant health problem worldwide with wide geographical variation in incidence. Additionally it has become an important item in each country's health agenda.It is a prominent cause of mortality in both economically developed and underdeveloped nations.Unfortunately, the burden is expected to grow globally due to the development and aging of the population.Gynecological cancer, which includes cancers of the cervix, ovary, uterus, vulva, vagina and fallopian tube are among the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide.In Egypt, according to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2020, approximately 2,787 new cases for ovarian cancer were diagnosed and 1,839 women died from the disease,1,694 new cases for uterine cancer and 350 women died from the disease and 1,320 new cases for cervical cancer and 744 women died from the disease.

Hence, this study will be carried out to develop and implement a psychoeducational intervention program among gynecological cancer patients attending the Gynecological Oncology Unit in El-Shatby University Hospital in Alexandria and evaluate its effect in improving their psychological outcomes and quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

Women are eligible to participate if they are:

• Over 20 years old.
• Newly diagnosed cases with gynecological cancers (confirmed within 3 months).
• Scheduled to have surgery as the first-line treatment.
• Willing to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Women are excluded if they:

• Are in the late stage (stage IV) as women in this group usually receive palliative/ symptomatic treatment.
• Have additional cancer diagnosis (including metastasis).
• Are diagnosed with severe psychiatric or cognitive disorder.
• Participate in other intervention study.