The effectiveness of internet-delivered parent-child interaction therapy on psychological indicator and cortisol level in children of caregiver with cancer, a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Background and Aim : High-potency Cannabis (HPC) is commonly used by patients with cancer to relieve pain. HPC consumption by parents can have an adverse effect on the physical, psychological and social aspects of children. This study was conducted aimed to investigate the effectiveness of internet-delivered parent-child interaction therapy (I-PCIT) on reduction of aggression and cortisol level in children of dependent HPC caregiver with cancer.Methods : In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, from October 2015 to September 2016, Fifty caregivers (N=60) residing in Tehran, Iran with metastatic cancer consuming HPC and their children with aggression problem were selected using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method and were randomly assigned into two experimental or control groups through block randomization. A package of computers equipped with a camera and microphone was provided for I-CPIT group. Changes in the level of aggression and cortisol during 10 weeks were analyzed by generalized estimation equation (GEE) through SPSS Statistics Version 20.Results : The primary outcomes showed that twelve weeks of I-PCIT had a significant effect on the reduction of children s aggression and the level of salivary cortisol in children (p<0.05). However, the results were not stable until the follow-up stage (p=0.088). Secondary outcomes showed that there is a significant relationship between aggression index and cortisol level (p<0.05).Conclusion : With the advancement of technology, it seems that the use of remote technologies can be an appropriate option to increase access to psychological treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

internet-delivered parent-child interaction therapy (I-PCIT) ، aggression ، behavioral disorders of children ، cancer