JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Approximately 30-40% of individuals diagnosed with cancer experience clinically significant psychological distress at some point along the cancer trajectory. However, access to psychological support services to manage the distress can be affected by barriers, such as availability, physical or functional limitations, cost, or stigma, that prevent people from receiving care. Faith and spirituality can be an important source of support for people with cancer, and resources used to enhance faith and spirituality practice may have additional benefits for improving psychological well-being. Digitally delivered faith-based practices (i.e., via mobile apps) have emerged as an accessible and on-demand alternative or supplement to in-person faith-based services that could serve as a supportive care tool for people with cancer. However, there is limited research exploring the use and potential benefits of such tools in cancer populations.

Objective:

To quantify the perceived feasibility (acceptability, demand) of using faith-based practices delivered via mobile app (Pray.com) to support psychological well-being among people who have been diagnosed with cancer, and explore the personal experiences of individuals who use the app as they manage their diagnosis.

Methods:

This cross-sectional mixed-methods study included an online survey and qualitative interviews. Participants were US-based Pray.com subscribers aged 18 or older who self-reported a cancer diagnosis. The survey assessed the acceptability and demand of using the Pray.com app to support psychological well-being and faith. A subsample participated in virtual interviews to explore their experiences using Pray.com. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-tests. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Of the 135 respondents (80% Female, 60% White) 98.5% identified faith as “very” or “extremely” important in their daily life, and reported using the app at least a few times per week (72%). A majority were diagnosed with cancer in the past 5 years (65.7%), reported a breast cancer diagnosis (40.7%), and that they were actively receiving curative treatment (64.5%). Most participants rated the app as helpful for managing mental health (81.5%) and cancer-related thoughts and emotions (74.1%). Over 91% reported they are likely to continue to use the app to support their psychological well-being and would recommend the app to others with cancer. Over 94% agreed there is a need for faith-based digital resources. Qualitative interviews (n=15) echoed these findings, suggesting high levels of acceptability, demand, and benefits to psychological well-being, while also highlighting how the app’s convenience and emotional and spiritual relevance contributed to these outcomes.

Conclusions:

This study provides preliminary evidence that digitally delivered faith-based practices via mobile apps are an acceptable and potentially beneficial option to support the psychological well-being of those living with and beyond cancer. Findings suggest potential value in supportive care settings. Future research is warranted.