The Effect of E-Learning on Self-Efficacy and Sense of Coherence of Cancer Caregivers: Application of the Bandura and Antonovsky Social Cognitive Theory

Aim: Cancer is one of the most important chronic diseases which affects caregivers. Therefore, in this study, we decided to increase the self-efficacy and sense of coherence of caregivers by using virtual learning via mobile to increase the power of managing in such situations. Methods: This study is a clinical trial performed on 60 caregivers of cancer patients. Questionnaires of demographic information, Bandura self-efficacy, and Antonovsky's sense of coherence were completed for both intervention and control groups. Then, for the intervention group, a virtual educational intervention was performed daily for 1 month using the mobile phones, and for the control group, no intervention was performed. Results: The mean score of self-efficacy in the intervention group was (18.09±93.21) before and (135.12±11.14) after the intervention, which was statistically significant (P=0.001). While in the control group, this means was (84.71±18.55) before and (84.75±17.13) after the study, but this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.2). Also, the mean score of sense of coherence in the intervention group was (73.25±7.28) before and (89.11±7.11) after the intervention, which was statistically significant (P=0.001). While in the control group, this means was (76.42±7.45) before and (76.89±7.27) after the study, but this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.31). Conclusion: Educational interventions, even virtually, can lead to improved self-efficacy and a sense of coherence in caregivers of cancer patients and can be used as one of the low-cost and effective methods in managing and controlling the disease.