Effects of a computer-based applications intervention on anxiety, depression and quality of life among lung cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‑analysis

  • Qingmei Ju Department of Nursing, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
  • Kim Lam Soh Department of Nursing, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
  • Putri Binti Yubbu Department of Paediatrics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
  • Yang Liu School of Medicine, Xia Men University, Fujian 361005, China
Article ID: 3744
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Keywords: meta-analysis; mobile health; anxiety; depression; quality of life; lung cancer patients

Abstract

Objectives: Lung cancer is associated with higher anxiety and depression than other cancers, accelerating the deterioration of the quality of life (QoL). There is a limited comprehensive evaluation about computer-based intervention (CBI) which uses technological approaches to manage these issues. This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the efficacy of CBI in mitigating anxiety and depression while enhancing quality of life among lung cancer patients. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines; it has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023397575). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to 31 December 2024 were searched from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and the Embase database. The primary outcomes assessed were quality of life, anxiety, and depression. The results are presented as standardized mean differences (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval. Results: A total of 3018 patients were included in 12 randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome of this meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference between CBI and usual care, significantly improved QoL (SMD = 3.92, 95% CI: 2.36 to 5.47, p < 0.00001, I2 = 97%), anxiety (SMD: −0.63, 95% CI: −1.04 to 0.22, p = 0.002, I2 = 79%) and depression (SMD: −0.47, 95% CI: −0.57 to −0.36, p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%). Conclusions: Computer-based applications intervention has been demonstrated to significantly reduce anxiety and depression and improve QoL among lung cancer patients.

Published
2025-07-03
How to Cite
Ju, Q., Soh, K. L., Yubbu, P. B., & Liu, Y. (2025). Effects of a computer-based applications intervention on anxiety, depression and quality of life among lung cancer patients: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. Psycho-Oncologie, 19(3), 3744. https://doi.org/10.18282/po3744
Section
Review

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