Stress Management Intervention Among Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Patients in Viet Nam

Summary

Psychological distress is common among Vietnamese cancer patients but often underestimated and not detected by professionals due to lack of time and overload of clinical work. Currently no established, evidence-based intervention exists to help address the mental health needs of cancer patients in Viet Nam besides the 'Stronger Together' peer mentoring intervention model that the investigators piloted in 2021-2023. The goal of this 2-arm, parallel, single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to pilot and evaluate the Vietnamese Self Help Plus (vSH+) stress management intervention among breast and gynecologic cancer patients in Viet Nam.

Aim 1- the investigators pilot the adapted vSH+ intervention. After recruitment and screening, participants are randomized into either the intervention (vSH+) or enhanced usual care (EUC) study arms. Participants are invited to attend an in-person informational session (IS) specific to their study arm, where informed consent is obtained.

Aim 2- the investigators assess the potential effectiveness of the vSH+ intervention. Quantitative surveys of study outcomes measures are administered at three timepoints: T0 (baseline, in-person, during info-sessions); T1 (1-2 weeks post-intervention, via phone); and T2 (3 months post-intervention, via phone).

Aim 3- the investigators conduct a qualitative process evaluation, via in-depth interview (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs), to assess the acceptability and feasibility implementing and scaling up the vSH+ intervention model. Satisfaction surveys will be administered during vSH+ sessions and in-depth interviews (IDIs) will be conducted following the conclusion of the intervention. IDIs wil also be conducted with Facilitators, in addition to evaluation surveys during vSH+ sessions and supportive supervision sessions. Between T1 and T2, the investigators will conduct IDIs with Healthcare Workers and focus group discussions with Caregivers.

Conditions

• Breast Cancer
• Gynecologic Cancer

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Vietnamese Self-Help Plus (vSH+)

vSH+ is a stress management program delivered through four 75-minute sessions. It includes the five core SH+ skills. Healthcare workers (nurses and social workers) function as lead facilitators (called 'HW Facilitators') and cancer survivors as co-facilitators (called 'Peer Facilitators').

OTHER

'Doing What Matters in Times of Stress' (DWM) Guide

An illustrated guide developed by WHO to equip people with practical skills to help cope with stress which has been translated to Vietnamese and reviewed and revised by the investigators.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Fogarty International Center of the National Institute of Health

  collaborator NIH

• Boston University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Phuongthao Le, PhD · Boston University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-11-05

Primary Completion

2026-12-31

Completion

2026-12-31

Countries

• Vietnam

Study Locations