A randomized controlled trial evaluating a mobile messenger-initiated, theory-based, culturally tailored, and fully automated chatbot to increase breast cancer screening uptake.
Description: Objectives
We aim to develop a mobile messenger-initiated, theory-based, and culturally tailored, fully automated chatbot to increase breast cancer (BC) screening uptake and to evaluate its effectiveness compared to standard text reminders (STR).
Hypothesis to be tested
We hypothesize that participants in the WhatsApp chatbot intervention (WCI) group would have a higher BC screening uptake rate than those in the STR group.
Design and subjects
We propose a prospective, non-blind, two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled trial in a community setting. Participants who are eligible for local government-subsidized BC screening and have access to WhatsApp Messenger will be recruited and randomized to the WCI and STR groups on a 1:1 basis.
Study instruments
WhatsApp Messenger-initiated chatbot with Chinese culturally tailored education materials based on the Health Belief Model and Protection Motivation Theory, and a standard text reminder.
Outcome measures
The primary outcome is the BC screening uptake rate, defined as the participation in a government-subsidized CRC screening program 3 months after recruitment. Secondary outcomes include quantitative and qualitative risk factors for non-adherence to BC screening.
Data analysis
Continuous variables will be analyzed using Student’s t-test, whereas categorical variables will be analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. The risk factors will be determined using binary logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance will be set at p < 0.05.
Expected results
It is expected that subjects in the WCI group will have a higher BC screening uptake rate than those in the STR group.
Funder: Health and Medical Research Fund
Amount: HKD 973,600
Funding type: grant
Funder scheme: HMRF - Health and Health Services (including HHSRF)
Start date: 2023-01-01
Investigator: Thomas Yuen-tung LAM
Institution: The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Funded outputs count: 0
Funder award ID: 22230321
OpenAlex ID: G1907251916