Effects of mobile app-based interventions on quality of life in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

초록

Objective: This review assessed the effectiveness of mobile app-based interventions on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with breast cancer. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using six databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) to evaluate the effects of mobile app-based interventions on patients with breast cancer. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to measure the intervention effect using a random-effects model. The updated Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results: Twenty-one RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, mobile app-based interventions had a moderate effect on overall QoL in patients with breast cancer (SMD = 0.61, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.38-0.85). Among QoL subdomains, the interventions had moderate effects on emotional functioning (SMD = 0.54, 95 % CI: 0.22-0.86) and small effects on social functioning (SMD = 0.46, 95 % CI: 0.17-0.74). Educational programs, multimodal programs, and shorter interventions (<12 weeks) showed greater effectiveness, particularly in patients undergoing treatment. The type of intervention program was an important moderator of the intervention effect. Conclusions: Mobile app-based interventions can improve overall QoL in patients with breast cancer, including emotional and social functioning. However, limited data in some areas indicate a need for further research. Implications for patients with cancer: Mobile app-based interventions can be used as tools to enhance the QoL of patients with breast cancer.

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