Effect of Using Line Application on Knowledge and Self-care Practices of Liver Cancer Patients Admitted Treatment by Injecting Chemotherapy through the Artery into the Liver

Abstract

Background: Currently, many liver cancer patients receiving treatment through transarterial chemoembolization, while the number of doctors and nurses providing care is limited. This inadequacy results in insufficient knowledge dissemination and self-care guidance to patients and their relatives, leading to complications. Therefore, a method for promoting knowledge and self-care practices through the LINE application was developed to increase access to knowledge and guidance for patients. Objective: To study the effects of knowledge and self-care behaviors before and after using the LINE application and to assess satisfaction with this approach. Methods: This quasi-experimental research employed a one-group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of 28 liver cancer patients treated with transarterial chemoembolization at Lopburi Cancer Hospital. The experimental tool was the knowledge and self-care promotion model through the LINE application (TACE Official Line), which was developed by the researcher. Data collection tools was a questionnaire comprising four parts: 1) general information, 2) knowledge assessment, 3) self-care practices questionnaire, and 4) satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (paired sample t-test). Results: The mean knowledge score before the experiment was 6.86±3.42, and after the experiment, it increased to 10.39±2.42. Comparing the mean knowledge scores, it was found that the post-experiment score was significantly higher than the pre-experiment score (p < .001). The average self-care behavior score before the experiment was 22.25±2.35, and after the experiment, it increased to 26.36±1.93 The post-experiment self-care practices score was significantly higher than the pre-experiment score (p < .001). Additionally, participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with the knowledge and self-care promotion model through the LINE application. Conclusion: The knowledge promotion and behavioral guidance provided through the LINE application have resulted in the sample group improving their knowledge and self-care practices.