Factors associated with distress over time in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy: insights from a pilot study assessing a digital information tool

Abstract

Purpose: A cancer diagnosis and treatment pose significant physical and psychological challenges. The study aimed to explore factors associated with distress over time in women diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy (RT) with access to a digital information tool, specifically examining if factors such as health literacy and self-efficacy had any influence on distress. Methods: In this pilot randomised controlled trial, women were assigned to an intervention group (n = 59) with access to a digital information tool or a control group (n = 52). Assessments were conducted at baseline, one week before RT (FU1), one week post- (FU2), and six months after treatment (FU3). Distress was measured at all time points, and associated factors were evaluated at baseline and six months. Results: In the intervention group, a statistically significant reduction in distress was observed over time (FU1, p =.009; FU2, p