BackgroundWomen undergoing chemotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer have frequently reported unmet supportive care needs. Moreover, easily accessible and innovative support is lacking.ObjectiveThe purpose of this trial was to determine the effectiveness of an app-based breast cancer e-support program to address women’s self-efficacy (primary outcome), social support, symptom distress, quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Secondary objectives included exploring the association between women’s health outcomes and the breast cancer e-support usage data.MethodsA multicenter, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 114 women with breast cancer, who were commencing chemotherapy and were able to access internet through a mobile phone, were recruited in the clinics from 2 university-affiliated hospitals in China. Women were randomized either to the intervention group (n=57) receiving breast cancer e-support plus care as usual or the control group (n=57) receiving care as usual alone. The health care team and research assistants collecting data were blinded to the women’s group allocation. Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and the social exchange theory guided the development of the breast cancer e-support program, which has 4 components: (1) a Learning forum, (2) a Discussion forum, (3) an Ask-the-Expert forum, and (4) a Personal Stories forum. Moderated by an experienced health care professional, the breast cancer e-support program supported women for 12 weeks covering 4 cycles of chemotherapy. Health outcomes were self-assessed through paper questionnaires in clinics at baseline before randomization (T0), after 3 (T1), and 6 months (T2) of follow-ups.ResultsFifty-five participants in the intervention group and 49 in the control group completed the follow-up assessments (response rate: 91.2%). During the 12-week intervention, the log-in frequency ranged from 0 to 774 times (mean 54.7; SD 131.4; median 11; interquartile range, IQR 5-27), and the total usage duration ranged from 0 to 9371 min (mean 1072.3; SD 2359.5; median 100; IQR 27-279). Repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance (intention-to-treat) found that breast cancer e-support + care as usual participants had significant better health outcomes at 3 months regarding self-efficacy (21.05; 95% CI 1.87-40.22; P=.03; d=0.53), symptom interference (−0.73; 95% CI −1.35 to −.11; P=.02; d=−0.51), and quality of life (6.64; 95% CI 0.77-12.50; P=.03, d=0.46) but not regarding social support, symptom severity, anxiety, and depression compared with care as usual participants. These beneficial effects were not sustained at 6 months. Spearman rank-order correlation showed that the breast cancer e-support usage duration was positively correlated with self-efficacy (r=.290, P=.03), social support (r=.320, P=.02), and quality of life (r=.273, P=.04) at 3 months.ConclusionsThe breast cancer e-support program demonstrated its potential as an effective and easily accessible intervention to promote women’s self-efficacy, symptom int...

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We compared the prevalence of depression in the postpartum period and its relationship with perceived stress and social support in first-time mothers and fathers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in mainland China with a convenience sample of 130 pairs of parents. Measures taken at 6-8 weeks after delivery included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Social Support Rating Scale. Eighteen (13.8%) of the mothers and 14 (10.8%) of the fathers were suffering from depression. No signficant differences were found in their prevalence rates. Perceived stress, social support, and partner's depression were significantly associated with depression. These findings suggest counseling, support, and routine screening for depression should be provided to both mothers and fathers.

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Background/Aims: With an increasing life expectancy, the number of people suffering from dementia globally will rise to about 115.4 million by 2050. It is projected that in the 21st century, the majority of the world’s older people will be living in Asia. This paper examines the global issues of family caregiving for older persons with dementia from an Asian perspective. Methods: Literature review of published empirical studies from 1990 to October 2010. Results: A full understanding of the specific way that culture could influence family caregivers’ burdens may play an important part in the development of a holistic model for family-centered care. Well-designed psychoeducation interventions or multicomponent interventions could help in reducing caregivers’ burden. With socio-economical and demographical changes, families need to be supported when taking on the caregiving role and be offered alternatives of care. Conclusion: There is a need for future trials with more rigorous randomization and longitudinal follow-up to assess family caregiver burdens at different illness stages. Future studies could focus on protective factors that promote caregivers’ resilience. It is essential to develop psychometrically robust measures for family caregiver burden and gain.