Effects on Quality of Life and Self-Efficacy of Instant Messaging Services in Self-Management Programs for Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men worldwide. Management options include active surveillance, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, while self-management and behavioral interventions have shown promise in improving health-promoting behaviors and addressing barriers to care. Mobile health interventions, particularly instant messaging platforms, offer a growing opportunity for effective therapeutic support, but evidence on their role in self-management remains limited. The objective was to investigate the efficacy of self-management interventions based on instant messaging on quality of life and self-efficacy in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A search was conducted of three databases from their inception to November 2024. Randomized controlled trials were included. Two reviewers performed independent data extraction and methodologic quality assessment of the studies. Results: A total of seven studies were included in the review. Instant messaging interventions were recognized by a previously published taxonomy of collaborative technologies. The meta-analysis showed that self-management interventions based on instant messaging have an effect on quality of life and self-efficacy. Conclusions: This systematic review highlights the potential benefits of self-management interventions incorporating instant messaging for improving quality of life and self-efficacy in prostate cancer patients.