Effect of Technology-Based Psychological Empowerment Interventions on Psychological Well-Being of Parents of Pediatric Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Abstract

Background: In recent years, technology-based interventions have emerged as effective approaches to provide psychological support for the parents of children with cancer. Despite their increasing use, evidence on the effectiveness of technology-based empowerment interventions remains limited, largely due to the heterogeneity in intervention designs and measured outcomes.

Aim: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of technology-based psychological empowerment interventions on the psychological well-being of parents of pediatric cancer patients.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted databases including Scopus, Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Complete, and the Ovid Nursing Database Scopus, Medline, and PubMed identified 8020 studies, from which 9 RCTs involving 698 parents of children with cancer were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2) tool. Data analysis was assessed using a random effects model with standardized mean difference (SMD) using Review Manager Version 5.4. Heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-square test and I² statistic. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results: The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in psychological outcomes, including decreases in distress (SMD: -0.42, 95% CI [-0.70, -0.13], p = 0.005), depression (SMD: -0.92, 95% CI [-1.56, -0.27], p = 0.005) and anxiety (SMD: -1.47, 95% CI [-2.50, -0.44], p = 0.005) immediately after the intervention. Follow-up analyses showed maintained decreases in depression (SMD: -0.39, 95% CI [-0.61, -0.17], p = 0.005) and anxiety (SMD:-0.32, 95% CI [-0.58, -0.07], p = 0.01). Additionally, significant increases were observed coping (SMD: 4.31, 95% CI [1.19, 7.44], p = 0.007) and resilience (SMD: 4.68, 95% CI [1.23, 8.13], p = 0.008) immediately after the intervention. However, no significant effect was found on health-related quality of life (SMD: 0.02, 95% CI [-0.25, 0.29], p = 0.88).

Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides evidence that technology-based psychological empowerment interventions dramatically improve the psychological well-being of parents of children with cancer. By effectively decreasing distress, depression, and anxiety while enhancing coping skills and resilience, these interventions are emerging as essential components of psychosocial support programs. These findings underscore the transformative potential of technology-driven approaches in addressing the unique and multifaceted needs of families, paving the way for more accessible and personalized support systems.