A Technology-Based Educational Intervention and Multiple Domains of Symptom Experience: Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors

Symptom management is one of the major concerns of cancer survivors, including Asian American breast cancer survivors (ABS) during their survivorship process. The purpose of this randomized intervention study was to determine the efficacy of a technology-based educational intervention in decreasing multiple domains of symptom experience among ABS. This was a part of a randomized clinical trial with repeated measures among 199 ABS recruited through online and offline groups/communities for Asian Americans. The intervention was a technology-based educational (information and coaching/support) program using computers and mobile devices to change health behaviors to improve the women’s survivorship experience. The data were collected using multiple items on background and disease factors, and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF). The data analysis was conducted using an intent-to-treat approach. Although the differences were not statistically significant, all multiple domain symptom scores of the intervention group decreased from pre-test to post 3 months, while only psychological symptom distress scores of the control group decreased from pre-test to post 3 months. Depending on the domain of symptoms, the significant mediators, with total, direct, or indirect effects, were different at different time points. For instance, attitudes, perceived barriers, social influences, social support, and self-efficacy showed significant total mediation effects on the total symptom distress scores only at pre-test (p < 0.05). The efficacy of a technology-based education intervention was supported in decreasing symptoms among ABS. Health educators need to consider that culturally tailored technology-based educational interventions could help improve the symptom experience of ABS.