Evaluating the Impact of Peer Sharing Sessions on Oral Cancer Survivors’ Psychosocial Well-Being
Abstract
Objective: Peer support programs have been demonstrated to enhance social and emotional support for the psychosocial needs of oral cancer (OC) survivors attending the oral cancer clinic. This study aimed to i) explore the impact of face-to-face (F2F) peer sharing sessions on health-related quality of life for OC survivors; ii) assess the factors affecting the attendance of these sessions.
Material and Methods: A mixed-methods strategy involving two stages of assessment was adopted at both pre and post F2F peer sharing sessions. Data were collected using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Head and Neck (FACT-H&N), a supplemental survey, and qualitative semi-structured interviews.
Results: Analyses indicated that survivors’ social well-being, emotional well-being (significant change), and subsequent psychosocial well-being improved over time after attending a minimum of two F2F peer sharing sessions. Factors that influence attendance at the sessions were categorised into four themes: “session,” “information,” “interaction,” and “facilitator.”
Conclusion: These findings suggest the benefits and importance of peer support programs in enhancing the psychosocial well-being of oral cancer survivors, as well as the key factors influencing attendance at these sessions.
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