Abstract CT147: The impact of a technology based program on symptom distress among Asian American breast cancer survivors

Purpose: Asian American breast cancer survivors are reported to experience physical and psychological symptoms that could be easily avoidable because of their cultural stigma and hesitance related to breast cancer. Also, they are more likely to have delays in getting help, information, and support. Studies have indicated a dire need to support Asian American breast cancer survivors in their symptom management while considering their cultural hesitance and stigma. Technology-based programs using computers and mobile devices are reported to help improve symptom experience of cancer survivors including Asian American breast cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to decide the specific characteristics of Asian American breast cancer survivors whose symptom distress was effectively improved by a technology-based program. Methods: This study was a part of a randomized controlled trial among 115 Asian American breast cancer survivors. The instruments included: multiple questions on background factors and disease factors, the Cancer Behavior Inventory, the Questions on Attitudes, Subjective Norm, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Behavioral Intention, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form, and the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Short Form 34. The data analysis was done through chi-square tests, t-tests, repeated measurement analyses, and decision tree analyses. Results: The interactions between time and group were significant in the changes of the global distress index (GDI) and physical symptom distress (PHYS) scores (p