A Decision Tree Analysis on the Impact of a Technology-Based Program on Symptom Distress Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Eun Im, Emory University; Jee-Seon Yi, Emory University; Wonshik Chee, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2022-07-01
• Publisher: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/CIN.0000000000000825
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: CIN-COMPUTERS INFORMATICS NURSING
• Volume: 40
• Issue: 7
• Start Page: 487
• End Page: 496
• Grant/Funding Information: This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (1R01CA203719).
• Keywords: Life Sciences & Biomedicine; SELF-EFFICACY; Decision tree; Asian Americans; PAIN MANAGEMENT; NEEDS; QUALITY-OF-LIFE; Technology; Breast cancer survivors; Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications; Science & Technology; CHALLENGES; Computer Science; INTERVENTIONS; Nursing; Medical Informatics; Symptom distress
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Oncology; Health Sciences, Nursing

Abstract

Using a decision tree analysis, this study aimed to identify the characteristics of the groups within Asian American breast cancer survivors whose symptom distress scores were effectively improved by a technology-based program. This was a secondary analysis of the data from an ongoing randomized controlled trial among 115 Asian American breast cancer survivors. The instruments were questions on background factors; the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form; the Cancer Behavior Inventory; the Questions on Attitudes, Subjective Norm, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Behavioral Intention; and the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form 34. The data were analyzed using chi-square tests, t tests, repeated measurement analyses, and decision tree analyses. The decrease in the global distress index scores was the largest (1.253 points) among those with high psychological support needs. The decrease in the physical symptom distress scale scores was the largest (1.133 points) among those with high physical and daily living support needs who had a short US residence period and who were young. The decrease in the psychological symptom distress scores was the largest (1.511) among those with high psychological support needs. The findings suggest several characteristics of the groups within Asian American breast cancer survivors whose symptom distress could be highly improved by a technology-based intervention.