Enhancing Self Care Among Oral Cancer Survivors Using a Digital Approach: The Empowered Survivor Trial

Vollständiger Abstract

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ABSTRACT Background Oral and oropharyngeal cancer survivors experience debilitating physical and psychosocial challenges. Little knowledge exists on the efficacy of interventions to enhance self‐efficacy in managing these challenges, increase survivorship preparedness, and improve health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods Individuals ( n = 643) diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer diagnosed within past 3 years were randomized to a digital intervention, Empowered Survivor (ES) or a Generic Online Intervention (GO). Primary (self‐efficacy, preparedness, HRQoL) and secondary outcomes (self‐care activities) were measured at Baseline, 2‐months, and 6‐months. Results Participants assigned to ES reported greater self‐efficacy and increased self‐care activities of oral self‐exams, swallowing, and mobility exercises than those assigned to GO (self‐efficacy: 2 months, p = 0.003, 6‐months, p < 0.001; self‐care activities). Conclusions The ES enhanced self‐efficacy and increased self‐care activities. Further examinations of survivorship preparedness and HRQoL in oral and oropharyngeal cancer are warranted. Trial Registration Registered on clinicaltrials. gov as NCT04713449