The Kōwhai Study – The Younger Women’s Wellness Program After Breast Cancer
A feasibility study of an e-health enabled lifestyle modification intervention to improve health related quality of life and prevent or modify the risk of chronic disease in New Zealand women previously treated for breast cancer.
This study tested the feasibility of the Younger Women’s Wellness after Cancer Program in Aotearoa New Zealand (the Kōwhai Study). It examined intervention uptake, adherence, sustainability over time, and the practicality of the proposed trial methods. Women aged 18–50 who had completed Stage I or II breast cancer treatment in the previous 24 months and had internet access were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention involved 12 weeks of internet-based, individualised coaching focused on healthy lifestyle behaviours and distress management, while the control group received usual care. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24.
All 60 participants completed baseline questionnaires, with questionnaire return rates of 76.7% (intervention) and 73.3% (control) at Week 12, and 86.7% (intervention) and 70.0% (control) at Week 24. Most intervention participants (28 out of 30) completed the full program. Free-text responses highlighted the acceptability and feasibility of both the intervention and trial methods. These findings support the program’s relevance and practicality for younger women in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This study closed 20 September 2021.
Papers
- Porter-Steele JP, Sharples KJ, Balaam SM, Vear NK, Petie MJ, McCarthy AL, The Younger Women’s Wellness After Cancer Program: Results from Feasibility Testing in Aotearoa/New Zealand (the ‘Kōwhai Study’). Journal: Supportive Care in Cancer (in press.
Interested in finding out more about the Kōwhai Study?
If you would like more information or to contact the study team then please email kowhai_study@auckland.ac.nz
Health and Disability Ethics Committee Approval No. 19/STH/215.
Delivery partners
