Stress Management Training for Latinas Receiving Chemotherapy

Summary

Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy experience a number of aversive symptoms that are accompanied by declines in physical and mental well-being. Although the benefits of stress management training interventions on quality of life are well documented, there are no published studies examining the efficacy of these interventions among Hispanic women and Latinas (hereafter referred to as Latinas) receiving chemotherapy. This dearth of research reflects the general lack of stress management interventions for cancer patients whose preferred language is Spanish. Simply translating existing English-language interventions into Spanish may seem to be a solution for the lack of Spanish-language stress management interventions. This approach, however, does not take into account cultural values, beliefs and situational realities that are likely to contribute to patients' uptake of health promoting behaviors. The proposed research seeks to address this gap by evaluating a stress management training intervention developed specifically for Latinas beginning chemotherapy for cancer.

In response to the identified need, the investigators created a Spanish-Language Self-Administered Stress Management Training (SL-SAT) intervention "Cómo tratar el estrés durante la quimioterapia" ("How to manage stress during chemotherapy"). The intervention is based on an English-language self-administered stress management training intervention the investigators previously developed and showed to be efficacious in a randomized controlled trial. Development of the Spanish-language intervention was the result of extensive use of ethnographic and learner verification methods, guided by a community-based participatory research approach. Similar to the English-language version, the SL-SAT intervention consists of a digital video disc(DVD), booklet, and audio compact disc (CD), and provides instruction in three well-established stress management techniques: deep breathing; progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery; and use of coping self-statements. The proposed study will evaluate the efficacy of this transcreated intervention in a randomized controlled trial involving Spanish-speaking Latinas about to begin chemotherapy for cancer. Following a baseline assessment, participants will receive usual care or usual care plus the SL-SAT intervention. Participants will be reassessed on study measures approximately 7 and 13 weeks after the baseline assessment.

Conditions

• Cancer
• Stress

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Spanish-Language Self-Administered Training Plus Usual Care (SL-SAT)

Patients will receive usual care. In addition, a Spanish-speaking intervention associate will spend an extra 10 minutes on the day usual care is initiated reviewing the self-administered training materials in Spanish titled "Cómo tratar el estrés durante la quimioterapia." Materials consist of an 18-minute DVD (also available as a videocassette (VC)), a 28-minute CD (also available as an audiocassette (AC)), a 16-page booklet, and a workbook to record practice and use of stress management techniques. Participants are instructed to first view the DVD/VC and then follow directions in the booklet and on the CD/AC about training, practice, and use of stress management techniques.

BEHAVIORAL

Usual Care Only

Patients will be given the Spanish-language version of "Chemotherapy and You: Support for People with Cancer" ("La quimioterapia y usted: Apoyo para las personas con cancer") published by NCI. The intervention associate will review how it provides answers to common questions about chemotherapy, describes common side effects and their management, and identifies ways to obtain additional information. Patients will also be provided with a list of local support groups for cancer patients and informed that a social worker is available to meet with them without charge to discuss personal concerns or practical problems. At the first infusion, oncology nurses will provide all patients with standard education about the chemotherapy agents and anti-emetic agents to be administered, possible adverse reactions to these agents, and recommended precautions for avoiding illness and maintaining health.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• American Cancer Society, Inc.

  collaborator OTHER

• H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Brian D Gonzalez, Ph.D · H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2012-03-13

Primary Completion

2016-09-01

Completion

2021-11-19

Countries

• United States

Study Locations