Effectiveness of a Smartphone-Based Self-Management App (BeHealth app) for Women with Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Self-management and health behaviors are essential for improving the quality of life and preventing subsequent complications in patients with breast cancer. To investigate effects of a smartphone-application-based diet and exercise self-management program (BeHealth app) on self-efficacy, health behaviors, and selected cardiometabolic risk factors (body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting glucose) in women with breast cancer.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 49 participants (24 experimental, 25 control) in Seoul between Jan and Feb 2017, assigned using block randomization via Microsoft Excel. They received counseling and underwent a physical examination and blood testing at both trial’s commencement and at a follow-up 12 wk later. The experimental group was given the BeHealth app for setting health goals, keeping a self-diagnosis and health record, and using chat space and health information for 12 wk. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS with ANOVA to assess the BeHealth app's effects on self-efficacy, health behaviors, and selected cardiometabolic risk factors over time between and within groups.

Results: The experimental group showed significantly increased levels of vegetable intake(P=.017) and significantly reduced levels of fasting blood glucose(P=.037) compared to the control group, suggesting that the BeHealth app may be effective in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Conclusion: The BeHealth app could be further developed to have compatibility with medical data and use in hospitals so that it is more appealing to target breast cancer survivors and increase its effectiveness for decreasing cardiometabolic risk factors in breast cancer survivors.