Belief-based family support intervention to strengthen family resilience among breast cancer caregivers: A quasi-experimental study in Indonesia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a belief-based family support intervention in improving family resilience among caregivers of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

METHODS

A 12-week belief-based family support program was developed by integrating the Health Belief Model with family resilience principles. The intervention consisted of four structured modules: (1) belief-oriented family support, (2) cancer and chemotherapy education, (3) coping and role adaptation, and (4) communication and reflection. Sessions were delivered through blended learning formats combining in-person meetings and online follow-ups. Family resilience was measured using the validated Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS). Data were analysed using paired and independent t-tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, the intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in total family resilience scores (pretest: 85.42 ± 9.87; posttest: 105.35 ± 8.76; p < 0.001), whereas the control group showed no significant change (p = 0.214). Improvements were observed across all FRAS domains, including belief system, organisational pattern, and communication process (all p < 0.001). Between-group comparisons confirmed significant differences in favour of the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

The belief-based family support intervention effectively enhanced family resilience among caregivers of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Integrating belief systems, family communication, and adaptive role management into nursing interventions may enhance psychosocial resilience and wellbeing among cancer caregivers.