Combined Effects of mHealth Psychoeducational and Benson Relaxation Technique Among Female Informal Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Bangladesh

Summary

Background: Cancer is a global health concern that places a substantial burden not only on patients but also on their informal caregivers, often family members or close friends without formal medical training. Numerous studies show that caregivers face significant burdens, which impact their physical, social, and psychological well-being. Female caregivers, often subjected to cultural expectations, face heightened challenges, contributing to higher levels of burden and emotional distress. However, the combined effectiveness of Benson relaxation techniques and mHealth psychoeducational interventions on female informal caregivers of cancer patients remains relatively unexplored.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the combined effectiveness of the mHealth psychoeducational intervention and Benson relaxation techniques to reducing caregiving burden as well as anxiety and depression, and to assess the impact on the quality of life among female informal caregivers of cancer patients in Bangladesh.

Methods: A randomized control trial study will be conducted at the Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital in Enayetpur, Sirajganj, Bangladesh. Computer-generated simple random sampling technique will be used to select study participants. The study period will be from April 2024 to September 2024. Data will be collected through face-to-face interviews, employing validated tools such as Zarit Burden Interview, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, and Bangla WHOQOL-BREF.

The intervention group will receive a combined intervention using self-determination theory (symptom management, maintaining and enhancing relationships, problem-solving, stress and coping, self-care, and effective communication) and Benson relaxation techniques through recorded videos, phone calls, and SMS reminders over six months. The control group will receive only usual care.

The study ensures ethical practices, obtains informed consent, and prioritizes data safety and confidentiality. Results will be analyzed using statistical methods, which will provide valuable information for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers in the field of cancer caregiving.

Conditions

• Caregiver Burden

Interventions

OTHER

Benson relaxation technique and mHealth psychoeducation

Benson relaxation technique \& mHealth psychoeducation (combined intervention) will receive: 6 months. Benson relaxation technique: Definition, benefits, and instruction about the Benson relaxation technique will be provided through recorded video, and a nurse will guide individuals face-to-face after receiving training from a physiotherapist. mHealth psychoeducation: There will be six sessions in a total of six months of intervention, and every session will be conducted at the beginning of each month. During each session, recorded videos based on the self-determination theory (symptom management, maintaining and enhancing relationships, problem-solving, stress and coping, self-care, and effective communication) will be provided face-to-face to the intervention group via smartphones, tablets, or handheld computers. As well as phone calls and SMS reminders will continue every week for follow-up and question and answer sessions.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hiroshima University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-10-01

Primary Completion

2025-03-31

Completion

2025-03-31

Countries

• Bangladesh

Study Locations