Shu-Ching Chen1,2,3, Bing-Shen Huang2,3,4, Tsung-Min Hung2,3,4, Chien-Yu Lin2,3,4, Ya-Lan Chang5,6. 1. Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan. 2. Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan. 3. Proton and Radiation Therapy Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan. 4. Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. 5. Department of Nursing, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan. 6. Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study of survivors of head and neck cancer was to evaluate the effects of a behavior change program and health education on depression, fear of social interactions, avoidance of social interactions, physical function, and social-emotional function. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial of 100 subjects, in which changes in the scores of several psychometric scales were recorded for an experimental group (behavior change program and health education) and a control group (routine care only). Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), and at 1 month (T1), 2 months (T2), and 3 months (T3) after completing the intervention. RESULTS: After the intervention, the experimental group reported significantly less fear of social interactions, less avoidance of social interactions, and better physical function than the control group. The experimental group also had less depression at T3 than at T0, although there was no such change in the control group. Analysis of physical function indicated that both groups experienced improvements from T0 to T1, slight declines from T1 to T2, and slight declines from T2 to T3; however, both groups had significantly better physical function at T3 than at T0. CONCLUSIONS:Head and neck cancer patients who received a behavior change program and health education reported less fear of social interactions, less avoidance of social interactions, and improved physical function during the 3 months after this intervention.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study of survivors of head and neck cancer was to evaluate the effects of a behavior change program and health education on depression, fear of social interactions, avoidance of social interactions, physical function, and social-emotional function. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial of 100 subjects, in which changes in the scores of several psychometric scales were recorded for an experimental group (behavior change program and health education) and a control group (routine care only). Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), and at 1 month (T1), 2 months (T2), and 3 months (T3) after completing the intervention. RESULTS: After the intervention, the experimental group reported significantly less fear of social interactions, less avoidance of social interactions, and better physical function than the control group. The experimental group also had less depression at T3 than at T0, although there was no such change in the control group. Analysis of physical function indicated that both groups experienced improvements from T0 to T1, slight declines from T1 to T2, and slight declines from T2 to T3; however, both groups had significantly better physical function at T3 than at T0. CONCLUSIONS:Head and neck cancerpatients who received a behavior change program and health education reported less fear of social interactions, less avoidance of social interactions, and improved physical function during the 3 months after this intervention.