The effect of education and support based on virtual social network on the sleepiness of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

Cancer-related sleepiness is a common symptom in patients and can impact their quality of life. Distance education and support, with the help of technology, can play a significant role in improving sleep in these patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of education and support based on virtual social network on the sleepiness of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

The study was conducted on 66 patients with cancer: intervention (n = 33) and control (n = 33) groups. Training and support in the field of sleep was provided through a virtual social network for the intervention group for two months. The control group received usual care. The data collection tool included demographic, clinical, and Epworth sleepiness scale questionnaires, which were completed before, one, and two months after the start of the intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS 16 software.

The intervention group scored significantly higher on the average sleepiness score before intervention than the control group (p=0.048). The average sleepiness score was not significantly different between the intervention and control groups a month later after adjusting the pre-test variable (p=0.092). After two months, the intervention group had a significantly lower average sleepiness score compared to the control group (p=0.004).

Distance education and support based on virtual social network can be an effective way to reduce the daily sleepiness of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.