The Effect of an Integrated Educational Program on Breast Cancer Patient's Self –Efficacy and their Informal Caregiver's Strain.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Cancer patients' self –efficacy decreases over time and it affects their self –care practice. Intervention which increases self –efficacy can relieve patient and informal caregivers' strain and burden. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an integrated educational program on breast cancer patients' self –efficacy and their informal caregivers' strain. Method: This is a randomized clinical trial including 60 patients and their informal caregivers from Ghazi Tabatabaei Hospital in Tabriz, Iran. Participants were allocated to experimental or control group by concealment allocation method using sealed envelopes. Experience group received oral and writing education and telephone follow up for 6 weeks while control group received usual and routine care. After 6 weeks post test was conducted by an oncology nurse except from the main investigator. Result: Statistical methods showed significant difference between experiment and control group considering both self –efficacy and caregivers' strain. Self –efficacy scores increased in experiment group in comparison to control group and caregivers tension decreased in intervention group while remain stable in control group. Conclusion: Integrated education can improve breast cancer patients self –efficacy related to cancer and can relieve their informal caregivers' strain. It can be taught in educational settings or applied by oncology nurses in clinical area.