Application of WeChat-based cognitive behavioural stress management for early-stage cervical cancer patients: a randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND

This randomised controlled study was aimed at investigating the effects of WeChat-based cognitive behavioural stress management (WB-CBSM) on the mental health of patients with early-stage cervical cancer treated with surgical resection.

METHODS

A total of 184 patients with early-stage cervical cancer were randomised to receive either WB-CBSM ( = 92) or normal care (NC) ( = 92) for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

Compared with the NC group, the WB-CBSM group exhibited reduced Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)-anxiety scores at months (M)1 ( = 2.022,  = 0.045), M3 ( = 2.575,  = 0.011), and M6 ( = 2.709,  = 0.007); anxiety rates at M3 ( = 4.834,  = 0.028) and M6 ( = 5.182,  = 0.023); HADS-depression scores at M3 ( = 2.069,  = 0.040) and M6 ( = 2.449,  = 0.015); and depression rates at M6 ( = 4.268,  = 0.039). Moreover, the WB-CBSM group showed increased Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being scale scores at M1 ( = -2.001,  = 0.047), M3 ( = -2.281,  = 0.024), and M6 ( = -3.501,  = 0.001); the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) global health score at M3 ( = -2.034,  = 0.043) and M6 ( = -2.426,  = 0.016); and QLQ-C30 function score at M3 ( = -2.009,  = 0.046). However, the groups exhibited decreased EuroQol-5 dimension scores at M3 ( = 2.056,  = 0.041) and M6 (( = 2.242,  = 0.026) and QLQ-C30 symptom scores at M1 ( = 2.026,  = 0.044) and M3 ( = 2.210,  = 0.028).

CONCLUSION

WB-CBSM reduced anxiety and depression and improved the spiritual well-being and quality of life of patients with early-stage cervical cancer treated with surgical resection.