Design and evaluation of a theory-based intervention of knowledge and perceptions to improve self-care amongst relatives of esophageal cancer patients: A randomised controlled trial study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer, as one of the most unknown cancers, is largely preventable through lifestyle modifications. In this study, a theory-based intervention will be designed and evaluated on the knowledge and perceptions of relatives of patients with cancer to improve their self-care. METHODS: This research will be carried out in two phases in Golestan province, located in north of Iran. A researcher-made questionnaire will be designed based on the extended parallel process model using a detailed literature review and the panel of experts' opinions. This questionnaire will aim to investigate the levels of knowledge, perception, and practice of respondents regarding esophageal cancer. Later, a comprehensive program will be designed over esophageal cancer self-care based on the information collected from the questionnaire, the information obtained from detailed literature review, and the experts' opinions. The second phase of the study will include implementation of an educational intervention with pretest-posttest design using the intervention and control groups to measure the effectiveness of this educational program on the knowledge, perception, and practice of the patients' relatives. DISCUSSION: The findings will provide valuable evidences regarding the efficacy of the educational intervention and will help the participants to improve their self-care behaviours. Consequently, policy-makers and planners can use the results to set appropriate policies.