Effectiveness of a culturally adapted psychoeducational intervention for family caregivers of children with hematologic malignancy: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a culturally adapted psychoeducational intervention to address the severe psychological distress and caregiving burden commonly experienced by caregivers of newly diagnosed pediatric hematologic malignancy patients during the early stages of illness. Methods: Among 116 randomized caregivers, 90 completed all three assessments and were included in the complete-case analysis. The intervention group received a 4-week psychoeducation program delivered by medical social workers, whereas the control group received routine care. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 48-day follow-up. Results: Compared with controls, caregivers in the intervention group showed greater reductions in depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms after the intervention, and these reductions were maintained at follow-up. Caregiver burden showed a delayed reduction, with between-group differences becoming apparent at follow-up. Anxiety levels decreased over time in both groups, but the group × time interaction was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The culturally adapted psychoeducational intervention was associated with reductions in depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms and a delayed reduction in caregiver burden, but did not show an additional effect on anxiety beyond routine care. These findings provide preliminary support for structured, culturally responsive psychoeducational support in pediatric hematology settings.