JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The increasing cancer rates highlight significant psychiatric and psychosocial burdens. However, there is a scarcity of studies examining the efficacy of digital interventions. This study aims to systematically review and analyze evidence regarding the mental health outcomes of digital interventions among cancer patients.

Objective:

To summarize current digital mental health interventions among cancer patients, evaluate the pooled effects of such interventions on improving mental health outcomes in the cancer care domain, to conduct subgroup analysis by the intervention duration, intervention type, and mental health outcomes.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis and qualitative synthesis. Systematic searches for published studies identified eligible randomized controlled trials. The following databases were searched: Cochrane Central Trials Registry, Web of Science, Scopus, Pubmed, PsycINFO, Global Health, Embase, and Medline. Studies were scored for quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results:

Twenty-two eligible studies were identified. The interventions mainly focus on the following: meditation or mindfulness [n=3], education [n=5], self-management support [n=5], physical exercise [n=4], diet regulation [n=2], lifestyle management [n=1], and communication within patient communities [n=2]. Digital interventions had no significant effect on improving depression (SMD−0.48, 95% CI (−1.00, 0.03), p = 0.07), and anxiety (SMD −0.61, 95% CI (−1.29, 0.06)). Subgroup analysis indicated that individual-based interventions had significant improvement in depression and anxiety, while social group-based interventions had a significant reduction in anxiety (SMD −0.59, 95% CI (−1.05, -0.13), p = 0.01). Intervention conducted for less than 1 month exhibits a significant anxiety reduction (SMD −0.73, 95% CI (−1.42, -0.04), p = 0.04), while intervention for 1-2 months was correlated with a significant reduction in depression(SMD -0.18, 95% CI (−0.35, -0.01), p = 0.04).

Conclusions:

Digital interventions tailored to specific content, stakeholder format, and duration can effectively mitigate depression and anxiety. More rigorous studies with larger samples are warranted to investigate the effects of these interventions on other psychosocial outcomes.