BACKGROUND
Digital health has shown significant potential in enhancing the psychological health of parents whose children are diagnosed with cancer. The aim was to evaluate its effectiveness in addressing PTSD, anxiety, depression, and stress among these parents.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to assess the efficacy of DHT in addressing post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and stress among parents of children with cancer.
METHODS
RCTs were reviewed in six electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL Plus, from inception to March 2024.
RESULTS
Six RCTs were conducted. The meta-analysis revealed that digital health technologies improved PTSD [SMD= -0.35, 95%CI -0.66, -0.03], anxiety [SMD= -0.42, 95%CI -0.71, -0.13], and depression [SMD= -0.55, 95% CI -0.83, -0.27] among parents of children with cancer. Only one study assessed the stress outcomes, precluding a meta-analysis. Except for unstable sensitivity analysis results for PTSD, other findings were stable.
CONCLUSIONS
Digital health demonstrates promise in ameliorating post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression among parents of children with cancer, although its efficacy in mitigating stress remains unclear.