Virtual Booth

SELANGKAH©: A Theory-Based E-Health Video Intervention for Mental Health Help-Seeking Among Individuals with Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the leading cancer among Malaysian women, with psychological distress — including anxiety and depression — affecting up to 84% of patients. Despite this alarming prevalence, fewer than 13% seek professional mental health support. Key barriers include self-stigma, low mental health literacy, negative attitudes toward help-seeking, and limited awareness of available services. Left unaddressed, psychological distress reduces treatment adherence, compromises quality of life, and is associated with higher mortality.

Selangkah© — meaning "one step forward" — is an evidence-based e-health video intervention developed to bridge this critical gap. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior and Health Belief Model, Selangkah© was developed through a rigorous three-phase Design and Development Research framework involving a cross-sectional needs assessment (n=150), expert consultation via Nominal Group Technique, in-depth interviews with breast cancer patients, and comprehensive content and ecological validation at Institut Kanser Negara, Malaysia.

A quasi-experimental trial (n=94) demonstrated significant improvements in attitude toward help-seeking, intention to seek mental health support, and reduced self-stigma following the intervention. Patients in the Selangkah© group were six times more likely to seek professional mental health support compared to controls by Week 12.

The innovation is supported by four published international manuscripts and an official MyIPO copyright registration under the Copyright Act 1987. Accessible via smartphone at near-zero cost, Selangkah© is culturally adapted for Malaysia's multi-ethnic population and ready for national scale-up — ensuring no breast cancer patient faces their journey alone.