Web-Based Interventions Show Promise in Managing Colon Cancer Caregivers' Burden

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City has investigated the effectiveness of a web-based education program on knowledge, coping strategies, burden, and quality of life among caregivers of patients with colorectal cancer. The study found that the program significantly decreased the use of emotion-focused coping, dysfunctional coping, and burden of care for caregivers, but did not have a significant impact on their knowledge and quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

  • The web-based education program (WBEP) was effective in reducing emotion-focused coping, dysfunctional coping, and burden of care for caregivers of patients with colorectal cancer.
  • The WBEP was conducted for 12 weeks and consisted of regular care and participation in the web-based program.
  • The study used a quasi-experimental design with 62 and 65 participants in the experimental and control groups, respectively.
  • Generalized estimating equations were used to understand the effectiveness of the treatment.
  • The WBEP had a positive effect on the experimental group, with significant decreases in emotion-focused coping, dysfunctional coping, and burden of care at 3, 6, and 12 weeks.
  • The study suggests that healthcare professionals should recognize the effectiveness of web-based interventions in supporting caregivers of cancer patients.
  • The researchers found that the WBEP had no significant impact on the knowledge and quality of life of caregivers.
  • The study was conducted in collaboration with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and the National Science and Technology Council.

Statistics:

  • 62 participants in the experimental group
  • 65 participants in the control group
  • 12 weeks duration of the web-based education program
  • Significant decreases in emotion-focused coping at 3, 6, and 12 weeks (14.96 ± 6.57, 20.52 ± 7.54, 17.25 ± 8.91, and 15.91 ± 8.69 respectively)
  • Significant decreases in dysfunctional coping at 6 and 12 weeks (13.92 ± 6.46 and 16.01 ± 10.63 respectively)
  • No significant impact on knowledge and quality of life

Sources:

  • Effectiveness of web-based education program on knowledge, coping, burden, and quality of life among colorectal cancer caregivers in Vietnam: a quasi-experimental study. BMC Nursing, 2025,24(1):1-11. (BMC Nursing - http://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com)
  • Hien Thi Nguyen, et al. "Effectiveness of web-based education program on knowledge, coping, burden, and quality of life among colorectal cancer caregivers in Vietnam: a quasi-experimental study." BMC Nursing, vol. 24, no. 1, 2025, pp. 1-11.