Assessment of the effectiveness of a web-based family centered empowerment program for the parents of children with oncological problems: Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims to examine the effects of a web-based Family-Centered Empowerment Model based educational intervention given to parents of children with oncological problems on caregiving ability, self-efficacy, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and stress.

Design & methods: The present study used a parallel-group, randomized, controlled, single-blind experimental design. Participants (n = 76) were divided into two groups: intervention (I = 38) and control (C = 38). The intervention group participated in an eight-week web-based empowerment program. Data were collected before, after, and 1 month after the training using the Information Form, Scale for Assessing the Ability of Family Members Providing Care to Cancer Patients, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square, Fisher Exact test, independent samples t-test, two-way repeated measures ANOVA, and post hoc Bonferroni analyses.

Results: It was determined that the care ability and self-efficacy mean scores of the parents in the intervention group increased compared to the control group, while the self-esteem and depression, anxiety, and stress mean scores decreased.

Conclusion: Web-based empowerment program is an effective method for improving parents' caregiving abilities, increasing their self-efficacy and self-esteem, and reducing depression, anxiety, and stress levels.

Implications for practice: In the management of this process, which is more difficult than other diseases, the web-based AMGM-based training program is an easy-to-implement and effective care approach that primarily aims to empower the caregiver. In addition, the developed website is a practical guide that parents can use at home to manage the problems they encounter.

Keywords: Cancer; Caregiving skills; Children; Empowerment; Family-centered care; Web-based training.