Perception of mHealth Intervention for Psychoeducational Support Among Nigerian Women Receiving Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background Women diagnosed with BC receiving chemotherapy have reported various side effects, which adversely affect their psychological state. Evidence suggests that psychoeducational interventions (PEIs) delivered through mobile phones might effectively provide psychosocial support for this population. However, there is a lack of evidence on Nigerian women's perception of mHealth PEI, which prompted this study.MethodA multi-centre exploratory qualitative study was conducted among women with BC who had completed chemotherapy at two tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Face-to-face focus group interviews were conducted at the oncology clinics. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Thirty-two women were recruited, with seven focus group interviews conducted. The participants were between 22 and 75 years old and mostly diagnosed with Stage III BC. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis, including experiences of BC diagnosis and treatment phase, patients’ needs during chemotherapy, coping with chemotherapy and perception of mHealth intervention for psychoeducational support. The participants found that mHealth intervention is acceptable, and the suggested contents include information on chemotherapy, how to deal with the fear of chemotherapy, nutritious diet locally available and information on exercise.Conclusion BC diagnosis was devastating, and psychological disturbances were experienced while receiving chemotherapy, but the participants perceived that mHealth intervention could provide psychological and informational support. This study will help design a culturally appropriate mHealth PEI for this population.

Leveraging Telehealth for the Management of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review

“…mHealth apps provide education and improve health literacy [ 5 , 6 ]. They improve medication adherence and help women with coping strategies [ 7 , 8 ]. Overall, mHealth apps have shown positive effects on the perception of physical benefits, psychological factors such as motivation, social factors such as group practice, and organizational factors including preplanning physical activity [ 9 ].…”