Effects of smartphone interventions on cancer knowledge and coping among Latina breast cancer survivors: Secondary analysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT

Objective: The My Guide smartphone application was developed to improve quality of life and symptom burden (primary outcomes) for Latina breast cancer survivors (BCS) and tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial compared to an attention-control condition (My Health smartphone application). This secondary analysis examined effects on breast cancer knowledge, coping, and cancer-related self-efficacy (intervention targets).Method: Latina BCS (N = 78) were randomized to My Guide or My Health for six weeks. Linear mixed-effects modeling evaluated the effects of time and study condition on the intervention targets. Effects by engagement were explored. Results: Both conditions showed improved breast cancer knowledge (p < 0.001), with a trend for greatest improvement among My Guide high users (p = 0.082). My Guide participants reported less self-blame overall than My Health participants (p = 0.020). There were no effects on cancer-related self-efficacy (ps > 0.05). Conclusion: Culturally-informed smartphone applications may enhance breast cancer knowledge and promote adaptive coping among Latina BCS.