DST in Reducing Depressive Symptoms, Enhancing Self-esteem, and Promoting Quality of Life Among CCSs

Listening to the Patient's Cancer Journey: A Randomised Controlled Trial of Digital Storytelling (DST) in Reducing Depressive Symptoms, Enhancing Self-esteem, and Promoting Quality of Life Among Hong Kong Chinese Childhood Cancer Survivors

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of Digital storytelling (DST) in reducing depressive symptoms, enhancing self-esteem, and promoting quality of life among Chinese survivors of childhood cancer.

Participants in the experimental group will be divided into groups of 6 to 8 childhood cancer survivors to receive the intervention, which comprises four workshops. Each workshop will last 2.5 hours and will be conducted by a qualified interventionist. Parents are not required to attend the workshop. The investigators will provide a waiting room for them. Parents will also be provided with a leaflet developed by Hong Kong Department of Health which contains self-help material for depression.

No intervention will be carried out among participants in the control group. However, customary care including medical follow-up, medication prescription, and nursing interventions will be provided, as usual. Parents will also be provided with a leaflet containing self-help materials for depression.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) age between 13 and 18 years;
• (2) able to speak Cantonese and read Chinese; and
• (3) completed the active treatment of cancer.

Exclusion Criteria:

• survivors with mental and behavioural problems documented in their medical records.