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. 2025 May 15:10.1007/s13187-025-02648-5.
doi: 10.1007/s13187-025-02648-5. Online ahead of print.

A Technology-Based Educational Intervention and Multiple Domains of Symptom Experience: Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors

Eun-Ok Im  1 , Wonshik Chee  2 , Sudeshna Paul  3 , Seo Yun Kim  3   4 , Mi-Young Choi  3   5 , Janet Deatrick  6 , Jillian Inouye  7 , Grace Ma  8 , Jun Mao  9 , Salimah Meghani  6 , Giang T Nguyen  10 , Marilyn Schapira  6 , Connie Ulrich  6 , Seon-Ae Yeo  11 , Ting Bao  12 , David Shin  13
Affiliations

A Technology-Based Educational Intervention and Multiple Domains of Symptom Experience: Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors

Eun-Ok Im et al. J Cancer Educ. .

Abstract

Symptom management is one of the major concerns of cancer survivors, including Asian American breast cancer survivors (ABS) during their survivorship process. The purpose of this randomized intervention study was to determine the efficacy of a technology-based educational intervention in decreasing multiple domains of symptom experience among ABS. This was a part of a randomized clinical trial with repeated measures among 199 ABS recruited through online and offline groups/communities for Asian Americans. The intervention was a technology-based educational (information and coaching/support) program using computers and mobile devices to change health behaviors to improve the women's survivorship experience. The data were collected using multiple items on background and disease factors, and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF). The data analysis was conducted using an intent-to-treat approach. Although the differences were not statistically significant, all multiple domain symptom scores of the intervention group decreased from pre-test to post 3 months, while only psychological symptom distress scores of the control group decreased from pre-test to post 3 months. Depending on the domain of symptoms, the significant mediators, with total, direct, or indirect effects, were different at different time points. For instance, attitudes, perceived barriers, social influences, social support, and self-efficacy showed significant total mediation effects on the total symptom distress scores only at pre-test (p < 0.05). The efficacy of a technology-based education intervention was supported in decreasing symptoms among ABS. Health educators need to consider that culturally tailored technology-based educational interventions could help improve the symptom experience of ABS.

Keywords: Asian Americans; Breast cancer; Cancer survivors; Education; Intervention; Symptom; Technology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

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Fig. 1
Participant flow diagram
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