Expression and reception of treatment information in breast cancer support groups: how health self-efficacy moderates effects on emotional well-being.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of exchanging treatment information within computer-mediated breast cancer support groups on emotional well-being, and to explore whether this relationship is moderated by health self-efficacy.


METHODS



METHODS
177 breast cancer patients using an electronic Health (eHealth) program with discussion group.


METHODS
expression and reception of treatment information; emotional well-being scale (0, 4 months).


METHODS
hierarchical regression.


RESULTS
Effects of expression and reception of treatment information on emotional well-being were significantly greater for those who have higher health self-efficacy.


CONCLUSIONS
Results conditionally support prior research finding positive effects of treatment information exchanges among breast cancer patients. Such exchanges had a positive impact on emotional well-being for those with higher health self-efficacy, but they had a negative influence for those with lower health self-efficacy.


CONCLUSIONS
Given that the association between emotional well-being and exchanging treatment information was moderated by health self-efficacy, clinicians should explain the role of health self-efficacy before encouraging patients to use eHealth systems for treatment exchanges.
School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. namkoong@wisc.edu
Kang
K
Namkoong
Dhavan V
DV
Shah
Jeong Yeob
JY
Han
Sojung Claire
SC
Kim
Woohyun
W
Yoo
David
D
Fan
Fiona M
FM
McTavish
David H
DH
Gustafson
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D003142:Communication; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012044:Regression Analysis; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome