Multiple dimensions of the quality of life among Asian American breast cancer survivors: The impact of a technology-based program

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine if a technology-based information and coaching/support program could improve the quality of life of Asian American breast cancer survivors and determine the factors that influenced the changes in the women's quality of life by the technology-based program.

METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial with 199 Asian American breast cancer survivors (104 in the intervention group and 95 in the control group). Multiple instruments including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-Breast Cancer (FACT-B) were used to assess background factors, disease factors, and the quality of life. The data were analyzed using intent-to-treat general linear models.

RESULTS: The FACT-B total and subscale scores of the intervention group increased from pre-test (T0) to post 3-months (T2), while those of the control group decreased. Significant interaction between time and group were found only in physical well-being (β = 0.84, p = .025) from T0 to T1 (post 1-month) and social well-being (β = 1.05, p = .006) from T0 to T2 within the mixed-effect model with AR1. The PRQ scores mediated the effect of the technology-based intervention on the Breast Cancer Subscale scores (p < .05) over one month (T0 to T1).

CONCLUSION: The technology-based program improved physical and social well-being among Asian American breast cancer survivors. Social support mediated the impact of the program on the quality of life. Future studies are needed on different dimensions of the quality of life with diverse groups of survivors. NCT02803593.