The Effect of Group Psycho-education on Anxiety, Depression, and Self-Esteem in Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Breast cancer patients experience significant psychological distress and poor self-esteem (SE), suggesting an immediate need for psychosocial intervention. Studies on the impact of group psycho-educational (GPE) intervention on anxiety, depression and SE are scarce, especially in low and middle-income countries. We investigated the effectiveness of an 8-week GPE intervention on anxiety, depression and SE among Nigerian breast cancer patients. Thirty eight women with breast cancer were randomly allocated to two groups (treatment group, TG, N = 19) and control group (CG, N = 19). The TG received an 8-week, 90-minute session of GPE while the CG received an educational booklet. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-test and 2-month follow-up with Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and Rosenberg's SE scale. Data were analyzed by intention to treat. The result revealed that participants in the TG had a significant decrease in post-test anxiety and 2-month follow-up compared to the CG. TG also had a significant increase in SE at post-test and 2-month follow up compared to the CG. There was no significant difference between TG and CG in depression. GPE is an effective psychosocial treatment of anxiety and improved SE among and may serve as a supportive therapy in the management of Nigerian breast cancer patients.