Interventions to Improve Self-Efficacy in Colorectal Cancer Patients and/or Caregivers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective. High levels of self-efficacy (SE) in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and/or caregivers enable patients to cope with cancer, reduce caregiver burden, and promote quality of life (QOL) in patients and caregivers alike. This review aims to (a) identify the SE theory sources covered by SE interventions or interventions, including targeting improved SE for CRC patients and/or caregivers, to guide future development of SE interventions; and (b) explore intervention effects based on SE theory through meta-analysis. Methods. Using five electronic databases—CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed—a systematic search was performed in April 2021 to identify English or Chinese literature that studied improving SE interventions for CRC patients and/or caregivers. Manual screening of the articles’ references list was also performed. Results. A total of 18 studies were found to be suitable and included in this review. Of the 18 studies that were included, 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studies with 917 participants were eligible for meta-analysis. Interventions provide support for SE drawing on different sources of information. Performance accomplishment (PA) is the key source, with vicarious experience (VE) and verbal persuasion (VP) assisting in improving PA. Reducing negative emotional arousal (NEA) and improving positive emotional arousal (PEA) are also indispensable factors in improving SE. The meta-analysis results show that interventions based on the SE theory can bring about positive effects for CRC patients and/or caregivers. Conclusions. Different sources of information aimed at improving SE, covered by the interventions, including PA, VE, VP, NEA, and PEA, have been explored. Positive intervention outcomes that focused on improving SE for CRC patients and/or caregivers were identified and highlighted. For future SE interventions, we advocate choosing combination sources of SE information to design interventions. It is recommended that future SE improvement interventions should focus on improving PA, supplemented by increasing VE, while reducing NEA and providing useful VP.

Efecto de intervenciones psicológicas sobre variables psicosociales en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal: una revisión narrativa de la literatura

“…Adicionalmente, una intervención para la autoeficacia obtuvo mejorías en ansiedad y depresión a lo largo de los seguimientos (35) , basando su estudio en la teoría de la autoeficacia de Bandura (50) . Se ha identificado que las intervenciones para mejorar la autoeficacia que han mostrado efectos positivos en pacientes con CCR cubrieron principalmente las siguientes cuatro fuentes de la autoeficacia: Experiencia Vicaria, Persuasión verbal, Excitación emocional y Logros en el desempeño (51) .…”

A critical discourse analysis on self-efficacy values in modern Chinese children's stories

“…The paragraph above means lifelong educational learning. The phrase "raised his head slightly" is an idiomatic phrase related to the surrounding cultural insight (Gong et al, 2021). Although individuals develop according to the demands of the times, so does value education.…”

A qualitative study about colorectal cancer patients and spousal caregivers’ experience and needs during COVID-19: implications for self-efficacy intervention

“…24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 These studies used different approaches to improve the SE of CRC patients and/or SCs, but obtained different outcomes. Studies that failed to produce positive outcomes had the following characteristics: SE was not considered the main intervention goal, 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 patient preference was barely considered in advance, 25 , 26 , 28 and the intervention approach was single (e.g., online only). 26 Therefore, a multi-path intervention that aims to improve SE based on CRC couples’ preferences could be a positive future direction.…”

“…Based on the findings of this review, a preliminary SE intervention programme was constructed. 27 This programme is based on SE theory, with the primary goal of improving the SE of CRC couples. The intervention content targeted the four sources of SE as defined by SE theory, including performance achievement, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and emotional arousal, all of which contributes to SE development.…”