Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Technology-Based Psychosocial Education and Counseling Program for Adolescent Survivors of Childhood Leukemia

Background In addition to increased survivorship in childhood leukemia, a small but significant number of survivors experience psychosocial challenges that affect their health-related quality of life (QOL) that require interventions to address these challenges. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the technology-based, psychosocial education and counseling program on survivors’ QOL, self-efficacy, and coping skills within the scope of a health promotion model for adolescent survivors of childhood leukemia. Methods The randomized controlled trial was conducted with adolescent survivors of childhood leukemia who were between the ages of 12 and 18 and had completed treatment at least 2 years previously. Survivors were randomized to a technology-based intervention (n = 24) or a control group (n = 31). Survivors’ QOL, self-efficacy, and coping skills were measured at 4 time points (baseline, postintervention, 1 month postintervention, and 3 months postintervention). Results The 3-month postintervention QOL total and psychosocial subscale scores in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P < .05). In addition, the emotional self-efficacy subscale scores and the active coping scores of the intervention group adolescents were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P < .05). Negative coping scores were lower in the intervention group than in the control group ( P < .05). Conclusion Technology-based, psychosocial counseling and education positively affects the QOL, emotional self-efficacy, and coping skills of adolescent survivors of childhood leukemia. Implications for Practice This program could be integrated into follow-up care and used as one of the support methods in providing and maintaining long-term follow-up care by pediatric oncology nurses.