The effectiveness of WeChat couple-based psychosocial support for gynaecological cancer: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week electronic couple-based psychosocial support platform (WeChat) for gynaecological cancer.

Design: Randomised controlled trial.

Setting: Oncology hospital in Shaanxi Province, China.

Participants: A total of 98 dyads of women with gynaecological cancer and their intimate male partners were included.

Methods: Couple dyads were randomly allocated to either the WeChat couple-based psychosocial support or to a control group receiving eight WeChat articles on general education content related to diet and exercise.

Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was sexual function assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index. The secondary outcomes of relationship satisfaction and quality of life were assessed with the Chinese version of Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General and The World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF. These outcomes were assessed before randomisation, and immediately and 3 months after the intervention.

Results: The study showed that the sexual function of women participants in the intervention group did not reach a significant level compared with the control group. Relationship satisfaction in the intervention programme improved significantly (adjusted mean difference 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0-7.4; p = 0.001) and quality of life (QoL 6.9, 95% CI 0.5-13.3; p = 0.035) 3 months after the intervention in women with gynaecological cancer. The intervention programme also showed significant positive effects on optimising relationship satisfaction (adjuste mean difference 3.0, 95% CI 0.3-5.7; p = 0.027) of male partners.

Conclusions: The results provided additional knowledge and an evidence base for the application of the support programme to improve relationship satisfaction and QoL among couples living with gynaecological cancer.

Keywords: WeChat; couple; gynaecological cancer; intimate partners; psychosocial support; quality of life; randomised controlled trial; relationship satisfaction; sexual function.