Sleep quality and fatigue after a stress management intervention for women with early-stage breast cancer in southern Florida

Functions of Resiliency Traits and Processes in Differential Effects of CBSM on Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Moderated Mediation Model

BACKGROUND

Although there is evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based group interventions can improve quality of life (QoL) in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer (BC) little is known about factors that mediate and moderate these effects. We examined a) the mediating role of benefit finding on QoL changes after a Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM) intervention, and b) whether this mediation effect differed based on baseline optimism in the first year following surgery for BC.

METHODS

We used data from a prior CBSM trial in 240 women with stage 0-3 BC who completed measures of benefit finding (Benefit Finding Scale, BFS), QoL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment, FACT-G), and optimism (Life Orientation Test-Revised) at baseline (2 - 10 weeks post-surgery), 6-months and 12-months after randomization. CBSM-related changes and mediation and moderation effects were assessed using latent growth curve models.

RESULTS

We found CBSM increased benefit finding (b = 2.65, p < 0.01), emotional (b = 0.53, p < 0.01), and functional QoL (b = 0.71, p < 0.05) over time. CBSM-related changes in emotional QoL were mediated by increased benefit finding (indirect effect = 0.68, 95% bootstrapped CI: 0.17, 1.56) but only among participants with low to moderate optimism at baseline.

CONCLUSION

CBSM intervention improved emotional QoL over the first year of breast cancer treatment by increasing benefit finding among women who reported low trait optimism suggesting those who will most likely benefit from improving benefit finding during this stressful period.

Nonpharmacological interventions for cancer-related fatigue: A literature review

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a prevalent and debilitating side effect of cancer treatment that can persist for years posttreatment, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Given the limited efficacy of pharmacological treatments, nonpharmacological interventions are gaining attention as effective management strategies for CRF. This review aims to provide an overview of the most common nonpharmacological interventions for CRF management, including exercise therapies, psychosocial interventions, sensory art therapy, light therapy, nutritional management, traditional Chinese medicine therapies, sleep management, combination therapy, and health education. By synthesizing the findings of high-quality literature, this review presents the definition of each therapy, along with their advantages and disadvantages in treating patients with CRF. Additionally, it addresses the role of oncology nurses in the nonpharmacological management of CRF. In summary, this review aims to inform oncology nurses about the prevalent nonpharmacological interventions for CRF and explore their clinical application to facilitate the development of effective CRF management strategies in clinical practice.

Coping After Breast Cancer (CABC): Protocol for a randomized controlled trial of stress management e-health interventions

BACKGROUND

One-third or more of breast cancer survivors report stress and other psychological and physical complaints that can negatively impact quality of life. Psychosocial stress-management interventions, shown to mitigate the negative impact of these complaints, can now be delivered as accessible and convenient (for the patient and provider) e-health interventions. In the present randomized controlled trial (RCT), Coping After Breast Cancer (CABC), two modified versions of the stress management e-health intervention program StressProffen were created: one with predominantly cognitive-behavioral stress-management content (Stressproffen-CBI) and one with predominantly mindfulness-based stress-management content (StressProffen-MBI).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects in breast cancer survivors of using StressProffen-CBI and StressProffen-MBI compared to a control group (treatment as usual).

METHODS

Women diagnosed with breast cancer (stage I-III, unequivocally HER2+ or ER- tumors) or DCIS aged 21-69 years who completed the Cancer Registry of Norway- initiated health survey on quality of life, are invited to the CABC trial about seven months after diagnosis. Women who give consent to participate are randomized (1:1:1) to: Stressproffen-CBI, Stressproffen-MBI, or control group. Both Stressproffen interventions consist of 10 modules of stress management content delivered through text, sound, video, and images. The primary outcome is between-groups changes in perceived stress at six months, assessed with Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale. Secondary outcomes comprise changes in quality of life, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep, neuropathy, coping, mindfulness and work-related outcomes approximately 1, 2 and 3 years after diagnosis. Long-term effects of the interventions on work participation, comorbidities, relapse or new cancers and mortality will be obtained from national health registries.

RESULTS

We plan to recruit 430 participants in total (100 in each group). Recruitment is scheduled from January 2021 through May 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

The CABC trial is possibly the largest ongoing psychosocial e-health RCT in breast cancer patients at current. If one or both interventions prove to be effective in reducing stress and improving psychosocial and physical complains, the StressProffen e-health interventions could be beneficial, inexpensive, and easily implementable tools for breast cancer survivors when coping with late effects after cancer and cancer treatments.

CLINICALTRIAL

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04480203. First posted: July 7th 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04480203.

Cognitive behavioral stress management affects different dimensions of benefit finding in breast cancer survivors: a multilevel mediation model

Objective. This study aimed to confirm the multidimensionality of benefit finding (BF), or silver linings within the cancer experience, assess the effects of Cognitive Behavioral Stress Management (CBSM) on those dimensions, and test the mediating role of perceived stress management skills targeted by CBSM.Methods. This secondary analysis used data from 240 women with stage 0-III breast cancer who completed measures of BF (Benefit Finding Scale) and perceived stress management skills (PSMS) at baseline, 6-months, and 12-months post-randomization into CBSM or a psycho-education condition. We tested a six-factor BF model using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and assessed CBSM-related changes in BF and PSMS using Hierarchical Linear Models. We included significantly affected BF dimensions in mediation models.Results. A six-factor model of BF had good fit [χ2(212) = 391.5, p < .001; CFI = 0.94; RMSEA = 0.06; SRMR = 0.04]. CBSM positively affected changes in personal growth (β = 0.06, p = .01), social relations (β = 0.05, p = .05), and worldview (β = 0.05, p = .02) BF. Perceived relaxation skill increases significantly mediated changes in personal growth (β = 0.03, p = .04) and social relations (β = 0.03, p = .04).Conclusion. Some aspects of perceived stress management skills appear to account for specific BF dimensions and should be considered in future efforts to develop interventions to modulate BF.

Stress Management Interventions to Facilitate Psychological and Physiological Adaptation and Optimal Health Outcomes in Cancer Patients and Survivors

Cancer diagnosis and treatment constitute profoundly stressful experiences involving unique and common challenges that generate uncertainty, fear, and emotional distress. Individuals with cancer must cope with multiple stressors, from the point of diagnosis through surgical and adjuvant treatments and into survivorship, that require substantial psychological and physiological adaptation. This can take a toll on quality of life and well-being and may also promote cellular and molecular changes that can exacerbate physical symptoms and facilitate tumor growth and metastasis, thereby contributing to negative long-term health outcomes. Since modifying responses tostressors might improve psychological and physiological adaptation, quality of life, and clinical health outcomes, several randomized controlled trials have tested interventions that aim to facilitate stress management. We review evidence for the effects of stress management interventions on psychological and physiological adaptation and health outcomes in cancer patients and survivors and summarize emerging research in the field to address unanswered questions.

Management of cancer-related fatigue in Taiwan: an evidence-based consensus for screening, assessment and treatment

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common and persistent issues experienced by cancer patients. Cancer-related fatigue is a distinct form of fatigue that is subjective, long-lasting and unalleviated by rest or sleep. Studies have shown that almost all cancer patients experience severe fatigue that disrupts the quality of life and physical function, but cancer-related fatigue remains under-addressed in clinical care, and only about half of all patients receive treatment.

METHODS

To increase the awareness of cancer-related fatigue and improve current management, the Taiwan Society of Cancer Palliative Medicine and the Taiwan Oncology Nursing Society convened a consensus committee to develop recommendations for the screening, assessment and treatment of cancer-related fatigue.

RESULTS

Thirteen consensus recommendations were subsequently developed based on the best available evidence and the clinical experience of committee members.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations are expected to facilitate the standardization of cancer-related fatigue management across Taiwan and may also serve as a reference for other clinicians.

Effectiveness comparisons of various psychosocial therapies for cancer-related fatigue: A Bayesian network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the effect of several psychosocial therapies on CRF critically.

METHODS

We applied systematic strategies based on eight databases, namely the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, China Biology Medicine (CBM), Wan Fang database, VIP, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database to preliminary literature retrieval to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies, including adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with cancer, were eligible regardless of cancer stage and current treatment. We carried out an expression analysis for comparing the efficacy of various psychosocial therapies using Bayesian NMA. A battery of analyses and assessments, such as conventional meta-analysis and risk of bias, were performed concurrently.

RESULTS

We identified 41 RCTs including six different psychosocial interventions (4422 participants), namely cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy (MBSR), psychoeducational therapy (PE), stress management therapy (SMT), meditation therapy (MT) and comprehensive therapy (CT). Our NMA results showed that three psychosocial intervention therapies were effective for CRF in cancer patients. The most effective psychosocial intervention was MBSR (SMD = -1.23, CrI: -1.88, -0.59, SUCRA = 83.33%), followed by PE (SMD = -0.86, CrI: -1.53, -0.18, SUCRA = 58.51%) and CBT (SMD = -0.84, CrI: -1.31, -0.37, SUCRA = 57.67%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that MBSR was most likely to be the best psychosocial intervention to relieve CRF in cancer patients. Medical staff should pay attention to applying MBSR to cancer patients in future clinical care.

Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychoeducation Program for Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) account for 0.2-3% of all cancer diagnoses and are thus considered a rare type of cancer. Severe levels of fatigue occur in 33% of patients on imatinib, but besides treatment, fatigue is also associated with psychological distress. As far as we know, only one previous study has reported on the design of a psychoeducational intervention for caregivers and patients with GIST. The current study was conducted to compare the preliminary effectiveness of an Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral stress management intervention and psychoeducation program for anxiety, depression, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). This study had an experimental pre-test post-test design with a control group. Ninety-nine patients were randomly allocated to an Internet-delivered cognitive program (n = 50) or psychoeducation control group (n = 49). Participants completed the questionnaires at three time points (pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up). Twenty-seven participants completed the intervention. A significant interaction effect between groups and time was found for general fatigue [F(2, 28) = 8.2, p < 0.001, ƞ²_p = 0.25], reduced motivation [F(2, 28) = 3.5, p < 0.05, ƞ²_p = 0.12], distress [F(2, 28) = 3.4, p < 0.05, ƞ²_p = 0.12], and global health status [F(2, 28) = 3.8, p < 0.05, ƞ²_p = 0.13]. Both intervention programs showed reductions in the dimensions of fatigue and improvements in distress and dimensions of quality of life. Additional research on a larger sample size is needed to confirm the effects obtained in this study.

Can improving quality of sleep reduce the symptoms of cancer-related fatigue in adults?: A systematic review

Purpose

Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) results in reduced quality of life for cancer patients. The relationship between tiredness and fatigue has been established in cancer patients and has been shown to be reciprocal, meaning the relationship is somewhat ‘chicken or the egg’ with tiredness influencing fatigue and vice versa. The aim of this study is to determine whether an improvement in sleep quality can ease the symptoms of CRF and whether this can support the theory that CRF symptoms stem from the effect of tiredness.

Method

Three databases were searched producing 259 papers. The papers were filtered using several inclusion criteria, resulting in a final list of 20 papers for analysis. The remaining papers (20) were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme (CASP) randomised control trial checklist and assessed for bias using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials.

Results

Fourteen papers showed an increase in sleep quality that also resulted in an improvement in fatigue symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy was shown to be the most effective intervention with a statistically significant decrease in fatigue alongside significant improvement in sleep quality shown in six of the papers (p < 0.05). Sleep education also had a positive impact on both sleep and fatigue scores with three papers showing significant improvements. Three papers focusing on exercise interventions produced a significant improvement in fatigue symptoms and quality of sleep.

Conclusion

Improving quality of sleep does ease the symptoms of CRF; however, the ‘chicken or the egg’ question regarding CRF and tiredness cannot be answered at this stage.

Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on Yoga, Psychosocial, and Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Cancer-Related Fatigue: What Intervention Characteristics Are Related to Higher Efficacy?

Simple Summary

Many individuals with cancer suffer from persistent exhaustion due to cancer therapy, known as cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Yoga, psychosocial, and mindfulness-based interventions are recommended to reduce CRF. However, it is not clear yet how interventions need to be designed to maximize their efficacy. This meta-analysis aimed to identify intervention characteristics associated with greater reductions in CRF. A total of 70 interventions with 6387 participants were included in the analysis. Our results found a positive effect of yoga, psychosocial, and mindfulness-based interventions, while all invention types revealed large differences in intervention effects. In psychosocial interventions, using a group setting and working on cognition was related to higher efficacy. Regarding yoga and mindfulness-based interventions, no specific intervention characteristics emerged as more favorable than others. Overall, this meta-analysis suggests opportunities to optimize psychosocial interventions for CRF, whereas the design of yoga and mindfulness-based interventions seems to allow for variation.

Abstract

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a burdensome sequela of cancer treatments. Besides exercise, recommended therapies for CRF include yoga, psychosocial, and mindfulness-based interventions. However, interventions conducted vary widely, and not all show a significant effect. This meta-analysis aimed to explore intervention characteristics related to greater reductions in CRF. We included randomized controlled trials published before October 2021. Standardized mean differences were used to assess intervention efficacy for CRF and multimodel inference to explore intervention characteristics associated with higher efficacy. For the meta-analysis, we included 70 interventions (24 yoga interventions, 31 psychosocial interventions, and 15 mindfulness-based interventions) with 6387 participants. The results showed a significant effect of yoga, psychosocial, and mindfulness-based interventions on CRF but with high heterogeneity between studies. For yoga and mindfulness-based interventions, no particular intervention characteristic was identified to be advantageous for reducing CRF. Regarding psychosocial interventions, a group setting and work on cognition were related to higher intervention effects on CRF. The results of this meta-analysis suggest options to maximize the intervention effects of psychosocial interventions for CRF. The effects of yoga and mindfulness-based interventions for CRF appear to be independent of their design, although the limited number of studies points to the need for further research.

Stress Management Intervention for Leaders Increases Nighttime SDANN: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Stress management interventions aim to reduce the disease risk that is heightened by work stress. Possible pathways of risk reduction include improvements in the autonomous nervous system, which is indexed by the measurement of heart rate variability (HRV). A randomized controlled trial on improving stress management skills at work was conducted to investigate the effects of intervention on HRV. A total of 174 lower management employees were randomized into either the waiting list control group (CG) or the intervention group (IG) receiving a 2-day stress management training program and another half-day booster after four and six months. In the trial, 24 h HRV was measured at baseline and after 12 months. Heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), and standard deviation of the average of normal-to-normal intervals (SDANN) were calculated for 24 h and nighttime periods. Age-adjusted multilevel mixed effects linear regressions with unstructured covariance, time as a random coefficient, and time × group interaction with the according likelihood-ratio tests were calculated. The linear mixed-effect regression models showed neither group effects between IG and CG at baseline nor time effects between baseline and follow-up for SDANN (24 h), SDNN (24 h and nighttime), RMSSD (24 h and nighttime), and HR (24 h and nighttime). Nighttime SDANN significantly improved in the intervention group (z = 2.04, p = 0.041) compared to the control group. The objective stress axis measures (SDANN) showed successful stress reduction due to the training. Nighttime SDANN was strongly associated with minimum HR. Though the effects were small and only visible at night, it is highly remarkable that 3 days of intervention achieved a measurable effect considering that stress is only one of many factors that can influence HR and HRV.

The Intricate Web of Fatigue in Women

The modern woman has taken her rightful place in society as a worker, a caregiver, a mother, and a world citizen. However, along with the privileges of these roles comes the great cost of stress and resultant exhaustion and fatigue. Psychosocial, physical, cultural, and disease-related realms of stress act as strands of a web that serve to bind and hinder women with chronic stress. New areas of research, such as exercise intervention, improved social programs (e.g., childcare), and supplementation are constantly evaluated for effectiveness alongside traditional remedies such as exercise. This review will highlight some of the key issues regarding stress in women and explore reports of new treatment modalities in light of the specific requirements of the modern woman.

The Effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Stress Management for Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Treatment for breast cancer can be stressful for patients. Cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) interventions aim to improve patients' skills in coping with stress and buffer against the negative effects of cancer.

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis aimed to demonstrate the impact of CBSM on breast cancer patients.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and PsycNET for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to November 21, 2017. We then performed a meta-analysis of RCTs that compared CBSM for patients with breast cancer with a 1-day psychoeducation seminar, wait-list controls, or standard care.

RESULTS

Eighteen RCTs with 2564 participants were ultimately included. The results showed that CBSM can increase Measure of Current Status relaxation scores, benefit finding, and positive affect and decrease serum cortisol, anxiety, depression, thought avoidance and intrusion, and negative mood. However, it appears to have no effect on stress or mood disturbance.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive-behavioral stress management appears to be beneficial for breast cancer patients. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to clarify if any other factors are influenced by CBSM intervention.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Cognitive-behavioral stress management can help breast cancer patients develop skills to increase relaxation, benefit finding, and positive affect; CBSM may provide a buffer against the negative effects of cancer. Further, CBSM may help breast cancer patients replace negative thoughts, improve their thought processes and behaviors, and maintain social support using cognitive and interpersonal coping skills. Nurses should be aware of the benefits of CBSM in their day-to-day care of breast cancer patients.

Perceived Stress and Sleep Quality in Midlife and Later: Controlling for Genetic and Environmental Influences

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Stress is a strong predictor for poor sleep quality. However, little is known about the mechanism of this association or the respective contribution of genetic and environmental factors. This study aims to investigate general distress as a mediator and cognitive/emotional control as a moderator in the stress-sleep relationship and estimate the influence of gene and environment in this mechanism using a national representative sample.

PARTICIPANTS

1,255 middle-aged and elderly Americans and a subset of 296 twins.

METHODS

The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire and the Self-Control Scale assessed sleep quality, perceived stress, general distress, and emotional/cognitive control. Structural equation modeling was used to test the mediating and moderating effect. ACE models on MZ and DZ twins were used to separate the contribution of genetic and environmental factors. Finally, a co-twin design was nested in the SEM to control for the genetic and familial confounds in the stress-sleep relationship.

RESULTS

General distress mediated the relationship between stress and sleep while emotional/cognitive control buffered the impact of stress on general distress. 7.69% of the variance in sleep quality was explained by genetic and familial factors and 8.26% was explained by individual-specific factors. Emotional/cognitive control only moderated the individual-specific association between stress and sleep.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene/family factors and individual factors explained an equivalent proportion of the stress-sleep relationship. The genetic and familial association between stress and sleep is more robust, whereas the individual-specific association can be buffered by regulation strategies.

Effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on breast cancer survivors with insomnia: A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on insomnia (MBCT-I) in breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

In total, 136 participants were allocated randomly to a MBCT-I group or a waitlist control (WLC) group. Indicators of insomnia and mindfulness were evaluated using the Insomnia Severity Index, actigraphy and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Data were collected at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), 3-month follow-up (T3) and 6-month follow-up (T4) time points.

RESULTS

Insomnia severity decreased significantly in the MBCT-I group, compared with the WLC group, at T2, T3 and T4 (all p < .001). We found that 59.6% of the MBCT-I group with moderate and severe insomnia improved to no insomnia and subclinical insomnia at T4 relative to T1, accounting for 7.9% and 55.3%, respectively. Compared with the WLC group, the MBCT-I group improved on actigraphy measures of sleep; they exhibited a pattern of decreased sleep onset latency and waking after sleep onset, as well as increased total sleep time and sleep efficiency. Mindfulness also increased more in the MBCT-I group than in the WLC group at T2, T3 and T4 (all p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

MBCT-I may be an efficacious non-pharmacologic intervention to improve sleep quality in breast cancer survivors.

Evaluation and management of insomnia in women with breast cancer

PURPOSE

Insomnia is a common issue among patients with breast cancer with a potentially devastating impact on quality of life. It can be caused or exacerbated by multiple disease and treatment-related factors. Despite the prevalence and impact of insomnia, it is rarely addressed systematically in the oncology clinic. We conducted a comprehensive review of insomnia to guide clinical care of patient's with breast cancer and insomnia.

METHODS

This manuscript reviews the prevalence, etiology, emerging science and both non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic options for treatment of insomnia among patients with breast cancer.

RESULTS

Multiple factors contribute to insomnia among patients with breast cancer including endocrine therapy and hotflashes, pain and discomfort from local therapy, and fear of recurrence. If we do identify insomnia, there are treatment options and strategies available to help patients. In particular, there is now a considerable body of evidence supporting the use of psychosocial interventions and behavioral treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), yoga, and mind-body programs. It is also important for oncology providers to be educated regarding available pharmacologic therapies and emerging data for cannabis-based therapy.

CONCLUSION

This manuscript provides an up-to-date and comprehensive review of the prevalence, etiology, and treatment approaches available for insomnia for clinicians treating patients with breast cancer. We also address strategies and goals for cancer care delivery and future research.

Effect of cognitive behavior therapy combined with exercise intervention on the cognitive bias and coping styles of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients

BACKGROUND

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive system disease with a high incidence rate and is common in women. The cause of IBS remains unclear. Some studies have shown that mental and psychological diseases are independent risk factors for IBS. At present, the treatment of IBS is mainly symptomatic treatment. Clinically, doctors also use cognitive behavioral therapy to improve patients' cognitive ability to diseases and clinical symptoms. In recent years, exercise therapy has attracted more and more attention from scholars. Improving the symptoms of IBS patients through psychosomatic treatment strategy may be a good treatment method.

AIM

To explore the effects of an intervention of cognitive behavioral therapy combined with exercise (CBT+E) on the cognitive bias and coping styles of patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D); and to provide a theoretical reference for the management of IBS.

METHODS

Sixty IBS-D patients and thirty healthy subjects were selected. The 60 IBS-D patients were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was treated with the CBT+E intervention, while the control group was treated with conventional drugs without any additional intervention. The cognitive bias and coping styles of the participants were evaluated at baseline and after 6 wk, 12 wk and 24 wk using the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ), Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS) and Pain Coping Style Questionnaire (CSQ) instruments, and the intervention effect was analyzed using SPSS 17.0 statistical software.

RESULTS

At baseline, the scores on the various scales showed that all subjects had cognitive bias and adverse coping styles. The IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS) scores, ATQ total scores, DAS scores and CSQ scores of the two groups were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Compared with baseline, after 6 wk of the CBT+E intervention, there were significant differences in the ATQ scores, the dependence and total scores on the DAS, and the catastrophization, distraction and prayer scores on the CSQ (P < 0.05). After 12 wk, there were significant differences in the scores for perfectionism on the DAS and in the scores for reinterpretation, neglect and pain behavior on the CSQ in the experimental group (P < 0.05). After 24 wk, there were significant differences in the vulnerability, dependence, perfectionism, and total scores on the DAS and in the catastrophization, distraction and prayer scores on the CSQ in the experimental group (P < 0.01). The IBS-SSS scores were negatively correlated with the ATQ and DAS total scores (P < 0.05) but were positively correlated with the CSQ total score (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Intervention consisting of CBT+E can correct the cognitive bias of IBS-D patients and eliminate their adverse coping conditions. CBT+E should be promoted for IBS and psychosomatic diseases.

Analysis of Sociodemographic and Psychological Variables Involved in Sleep Quality in Nurses

BACKGROUND

Sleep quality is related to health and quality of life and can lead to the development of related disorders. This study analyzed the sociodemographic and psychological factors related to sleep quality in nurses.

METHODS

The sample comprised 1094 nurses who were assessed according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Questionnaire, the Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire, the Brief Emotional Intelligence Inventory, and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18.

RESULTS

The results confirm the impacts of diet, motivation for physical exercise, emotional intelligence, and overall self-esteem on sleep quality in nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

Sleep quality in healthcare professionals is vitally important for performance at work; therefore, appropriate strategies should be applied to improve it.

Associations Among Trajectories of Sleep Disturbance, Depressive Symptomology and 24-Hour Urinary Cortisol in HIV+ Women Following a Stress Management Intervention

Objective: The burden of sleep disturbance and depressive symptomology is high for persons living with HIV and particularly so for women. While cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) is shown to reduce symptoms of depression and 24-hr urinary free cortisol output (CORT) in HIV+ men, less is known about the effects of CBSM on mood and concomitant sleep disturbance in HIV+ women. The study aim is to model longitudinal change in sleep disturbance, depressive symptomology, and CORT for HIV+ women exposed to a 12-week CBSM intervention or control condition. Methods: Self-reported sleep quality and depressive symptomology, along with CORT, was collected from surveys at baseline and approximately every three months thereafter for nine months from 130 HIV+ women (M_age = 38.44, SD = 7.73). The data was used to specify a parallel process latent growth model with CORT as a time-varying covariate. Results: The model showed acceptable fit. There was a linear decline in sleep disturbance (β = -0.32, p < .05) and logarithmic decline in depressive symptomology (β = -0.33, p < .05) for those receiving the intervention. Decline in sleep disturbance predicted lower CORT at nine months. Furthermore, having less depressive symptoms at baseline was associated with lower initial levels of sleep disturbance and greater improvement in sleep quality over time. There was no discernible association between sleep and mood disturbance in the control group. Across groups, there was a consistent association between older age and greater sleep disturbance (r = 0.34, p < .01). Conclusion: Sleep disturbance appears to be a behavioral target for CBSM in HIV+ women although older age, preintervention levels of depressive mood, and time-varying levels of CORT output may limit improvement in sleep quality over time.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on breast cancer symptoms: systematic review and meta-analysis

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction practices increase the capacity for concentration and attention, and these practices are particularly effective for people with breast cancer. To analyze the effects of the application of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on breast cancer symptoms. Systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out. To find suitable studies, the PubMed/ MEDLINE database was searched using the keywords "breast cancer" and "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction". Studies included were published between 2013 and 2017, written in English and showed methodological quality through the PEDro scale (score greater than 3). They also presented empirical evidence, had an experimental study design (randomized or non-randomized), and had full text available. For the meta-analysis, we used a random-effects model, with standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Seven studies were included, one non-randomized and containing only an intervention group of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and six randomized including samples of two or three groups. The non-randomized study showed 6 points on the PEDro scale, the randomized studies of two groups 6 to 7 points and studies with three groups showed 7 points. In the meta-analysis of the two randomized studies, the results, although not significant, revealed a moderate effect for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the outcome of fatigue, with a mean difference of -0.42 (95%CI -0.92- -0.07; p=0.09). Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction seems to be a promising alternative for treatment of this disease's symptoms.

Differential psychological effects of cognitive-behavioral stress management among breast cancer patients with high and low initial cancer-specific distress

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) improves adaptation to primary treatment for breast cancer (BCa), evidenced as reductions in distress and increases in positive affect. Because not all BCa patients may need psychosocial intervention, identifying those most likely to benefit is important. A secondary analysis of a previous randomized trial tested whether baseline level of cancer-specific distress moderated CBSM effects on adaptation over 12 months. We hypothesized that patients experiencing the greatest cancer-specific distress in the weeks after surgery would show the greatest CBSM-related effects on distress and affect.

METHODS

Stages 0-III BCa patients (N = 240) were enrolled 2-8 weeks after surgery and randomized to either a 10-week group CBSM intervention or a 1-day psychoeducational (PE) control group. They completed the Impact of Event Scale (IES) and Affect Balance Scale (ABS) at study entry, and at 6- and 12- month follow-ups.

RESULTS

Latent Growth Curve Modeling across the 12-month interval showed that CBSM interacted with initial cancer-related distress to influence distress and affect. Follow-up analyses showed that those with higher initial distress were significantly improved by CBSM compared to control treatment. No differential improvement in affect or intrusive thoughts occurred among low-distress women.

CONCLUSION

CBSM decreased negative affect and intrusive thoughts and increases positive affect among post-surgical BCa patients presenting with elevated cancer-specific distress after surgery, but did not show similar effects in women with low levels of cancer-specific distress. Identifying patients most in need of intervention in the period after surgery may optimize cost-effective cancer care.

How changes in physical activity relate to fatigue interference, mood, and quality of life during treatment for non-metastatic breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

Physical activity (PA) following surgery for breast cancer may improve depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) via reduction in fatigue-related daily interference (FRDI). Less is known about how change in PA may relate to these psychosocial factors throughout the course of treatment. In a secondary analysis of a previous psychosocial intervention trial, we examined relationships between change in PA, depressive symptoms, and functional QoL, as mediated by change in FRDI, and whether naturally occurring change in PA provided benefit independent of the intervention.

METHOD

Women (N=240) with non-metastatic stage 0-III breast cancer were randomized to cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) or a control 2-10weeks post-surgery. PA, FRDI, clinician-rated depressive symptoms, self-reported depressed mood, and functional QoL were assessed at baseline and three months post-intervention.

RESULTS

Increased PA was associated with reductions in clinician-rated depressive symptoms, depressed mood, and improved QoL, mediated by a reduction in FRDI. This was above and beyond the effect of CBSM.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased PA may mitigate FRDI and improve depressive symptoms and functional QoL for women undergoing breast cancer treatment, beyond effects of a psychosocial intervention. Benefits of an integrated PA and psychosocial approach should be investigated further.

Exercise and other non-pharmaceutical interventions for cancer-related fatigue in patients during or after cancer treatment: a systematic review incorporating an indirect-comparisons meta-analysis

Aim

To assess the relative effects of different types of exercise and other non-pharmaceutical interventions on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in patients during and after cancer treatment.

Design

Systematic review and indirect-comparisons meta-analysis.

Data sources

Articles were searched in PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL and published meta-analyses.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Randomised studies published up to January 2017 evaluating different types of exercise or other non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce CRF in any cancer type during or after treatment.

Study appraisal and synthesis

Risk of bias assessment with PEDro criteria and random effects Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Results

We included 245 studies. Comparing the treatments with usual care during cancer treatment, relaxation exercise was the highest ranked intervention with a standardisedmean difference (SMD) of −0.77 (95% Credible Interval (CrI) −1.22 to −0.31), while massage (−0.78; −1.55 to −0.01), cognitive–behavioural therapy combined with physical activity (combined CBT, −0.72; −1.34 to −0.09), combined aerobic and resistance training (−0.67; −1.01 to −0.34), resistance training (−0.53; −1.02 to −0.03), aerobic (−0.53; −0.80 to −0.26) and yoga (−0.51; −1.01 to 0.00) all had moderate-to-large SMDs. After cancer treatment, yoga showed the highest effect (−0.68; −0.93 to −0.43). Combined aerobic and resistance training (−0.50; −0.66 to −0.34), combined CBT (−0.45; −0.70 to −0.21), Tai-Chi (−0.45; −0.84 to −0.06), CBT (−0.42; −0.58 to −0.25), resistance training (−0.35; −0.62 to −0.08) and aerobic (−0.33; −0.51 to −0.16) showed all small-to-moderate SMDs.

Conclusions

Patients can choose among different effective types of exercise and non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce CRF.

Sleep-wake disturbance in patients with brain tumors

Sleep-wake disturbances are defined as perceived or actual alterations in sleep that result in impaired daytime functioning. Unlike other cancers, there is limited information about sleep-wake disturbances in adults with primary brain tumors throughout the illness trajectory. Sleep-wake disturbance is among the most severe and common symptoms reported by primary brain-tumor patients, particularly those undergoing radiation therapy. As with other cancers and neurologic illness, sleep-wake disturbance may also be clustered or related to other symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and cognitive impairment. There is increasing evidence for a genetic basis of normal sleep and sleep regulation in healthy adults. Specific mutations and single nucleotide variants have been reported to be associated with both fatigue and sleep-wake disorders, and both inflammation and alterations in circadian rhythms have been postulated to have a potential role. Guidelines for assessment and interventions have been developed, with cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and sleep hygiene demonstrating benefit in patients with other solid tumors. Further research is needed to identify risk and appropriate treatment in the brain-tumor patient population.

Self-management education interventions for patients with cancer: a systematic review

PURPOSE

This systematic review was intended to identify the effectiveness and inclusion of essential components of self-management education interventions to support patients with cancer in developing the skills needed for effective self-management of their disease and the acute or immediate, long-term, and late harmful effects of treatments.

METHODS

Self-management education interventions were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) containing at least one of the eight core elements outlined by the research team. A systematic search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE (2005 through April 2015), Embase (2005 to 2015, week 15), the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Issue 4, April 2015), CINAHL (2005 to 2015) and PsychINFO (2005 to 2015). Keywords searched include 'self-management patient education' or 'patient education'.

RESULTS

Forty-two RCTs examining self-management education interventions for patients with cancer were identified. Heterogeneity of interventions precluded meta-analysis, but narrative qualitative synthesis suggested that self-management education interventions improve symptoms of fatigue, pain, depression, anxiety, emotional distress and quality of life. Results for specific combinations of core elements were inconclusive. Very few studies used the same combinations of core elements, and among those that did, results were conflicting. Thus, conclusions as to the components or elements of self-management education interventions associated with the strength of the effects could not be assessed by this review.

CONCLUSION

Defining the core components of cancer self-management education and the fundamental elements for inclusion in supporting effective self-management will be critical to ensure consistent and effective provision of self-management support in the cancer system.

Poor sleep quality is associated with greater circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and severity and frequency of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) symptoms in women

OBJECTIVE

Poor sleep quality has been linked to inflammatory processes and worse disease outcomes in the context of many chronic illnesses, but less is known in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). This study examines the relationships between sleep quality, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and CFS/ME symptoms.

METHODS

Sixty women diagnosed with CFS/ME were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-based CFS/ME symptom questionnaires. Circulating plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. Multiple regression analyses examined associations between sleep, cytokines and symptoms, controlling for age, education, and body mass index.

RESULTS

Poor sleep quality (PSQI global score) was associated with greater pro-inflammatory cytokine levels: interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (β=0.258, p=0.043), IL-6 (β=0.281, p=0.033), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (β=0.263, p=0.044). Worse sleep quality related to greater fatigue severity (β=0.395, p=0.003) and fatigue-related interference with daily activities (β=0.464, p<0.001), and more severe and frequent CDC-defined core CFS/ME symptoms (β=0.499, p<0.001, and β=0.556, p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Results underscore the importance of managing sleep-related difficulties in this patient population. Further research is needed to identify the etiology of sleep disruptions in CFS/ME and mechanistic factors linking sleep quality to symptom severity and inflammatory processes.

Stress management, leukocyte transcriptional changes and breast cancer recurrence in a randomized trial: An exploratory analysis

PURPOSE

Cognitive behavioral stress management (CBSM) is an empirically-validated group-based psychosocial intervention. CBSM is related to decreased self-reported indicators of psychological adversity during breast cancer treatment and greater disease-free survival (DFS) vs. a control condition. This study examined relationships between CBSM, DFS, and a potential biobehavioral pathway linking these variables in breast cancer patients through a gene expression composite representing the leukocyte conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA).

DESIGN

Women with stage 0-IIIb breast cancer completed questionnaires and provided blood samples post-surgery. Participants were randomized to 10-week group-based CBSM or a psychoeducation control group and followed at 6 months, 12 months, and median 11 years. In total, 51 participants provided blood data for longitudinal analyses (CBSM n=28; Control n=23). Mixed model analyses examined CBSM effects on 6-12 month changes in CTRA expression (53 indicator genes representing pro-inflammatory, anti-viral and antibody production signaling). Cox regression models assessed the relationship between 6 and 12 month changes in CTRA expression and 11-year DFS.

RESULTS

Patients randomized to CBSM showed attenuated 6-12 month change in CTRA gene expression, whereas patients randomized to control showed increased CTRA expression (p=0.014). Average DFS was 5.92 years (SD=3.90). Greater 6-12 month CTRA increases predicted shorter 11-year DFS controlling for covariates (p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

CBSM attenuated CTRA gene expression during the initial year of breast cancer treatment. In turn, greater increases in CTRA gene expression predicted shorter long-term DFS. These findings identify a biobehavioral oncology pathway to examine in future work.

Concerns about Breast Cancer, Pain, and Fatigue in Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Primary Treatment

Women diagnosed with breast cancer often endorse psychosocial concerns prior to treatment, which may influence symptom experiences. Among these, low perceived social support relates to elevated fatigue. Those with low social support perceptions may also experience a greater sense of rejection. We sought to determine if social rejection concerns post-surgery predict fatigue interference 12 months later in women with non-metastatic breast cancer. Depressive symptoms and pain severity after completion of adjuvant therapy (six months post-surgery) were examined as potential mediators. Women (N = 240) with non-metastatic breast cancer were recruited 2–10 weeks post-surgery. Multiple regression analyses examined relationships among variables adjusting for relevant covariates. Greater rejection concerns at study entry predicted greater fatigue interference 12 months later (p < 0.01). Pain severity after adjuvant therapy partially mediated the relationship between social rejection concerns and fatigue interference, with significant indirect (β = 0.06, 95% CI (0.009, 0.176)) and direct effects (β = 0.18, SE = 0.07, t(146) = 2.78, p < 0.01, 95% CI (0.053, 0.311)). Therefore, pain levels post-treatment may affect how concerns of social rejection relate to subsequent fatigue interference. Interventions targeting fears of social rejection and interpersonal skills early in treatment may reduce physical symptom burden during treatment and into survivorship.

Stress, sleep, depression and dietary intakes among low-income overweight and obese pregnant women

This study investigated the mediating roles of sleep and depression on the relationships between stress, fat intake, and fruit and vegetable intake among low-income overweight and obese pregnant women by trimesters. Participants (N = 213) completed a self-administered survey including stress (exogenous variable), depression, sleep (mediators), fat intake, and fruit and vegetable intake (endogenous variables). Path analysis was performed to compare mediation effects among pregnant women in each trimester. Consistently across three trimesters, stress was related to depression but not sleep duration, night time sleep disturbance, sleep quality, sleep latency or fat intake. Sleep duration was not associated with depression. Depending on trimester, night time sleep disturbance, sleep quality, and sleep latency were related to depression; night time sleep disturbance and depression affected fat intake; stress influenced fruit and vegetable intake. Sleep duration, sleep disturbance, sleep quality, sleep latency and depression did not mediate the relationships between stress, fat intake, and fruit and vegetable intake in the second and third trimesters. However, depression mediated the relationship between stress and fat intake in the first trimester. Stress management interventions may help low-income overweight and obese pregnant women decrease depressive symptoms and therefore contribute to overall nutritional health.

A randomized controlled trial of cognitive-behavioral stress management in breast cancer: survival and recurrence at 11-year follow-up

Non-metastatic breast cancer patients often experience psychological distress which may influence disease progression and survival. Cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) improves psychological adaptation and lowers distress during breast cancer treatment and long-term follow-ups. We examined whether breast cancer patients randomized to CBSM had improved survival and recurrence 8-15 years post-enrollment. From 1998 to 2005, women (N = 240) 2-10 weeks post-surgery for non-metastatic Stage 0-IIIb breast cancer were randomized to a 10-week, group-based CBSM intervention (n = 120) or a 1-day psychoeducational seminar control (n = 120). In 2013, 8-15 years post-study enrollment (11-year median), recurrence and survival data were collected. Cox Proportional Hazards Models and Weibull Accelerated Failure Time tests were used to assess group differences in all-cause mortality, breast cancer-specific mortality, and disease-free interval, controlling for biomedical confounders. Relative to the control, the CBSM group was found to have a reduced risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.21; 95 % CI [0.05, 0.93]; p = .040). Restricting analyses to women with invasive disease revealed significant effects of CBSM on breast cancer-related mortality (p = .006) and disease-free interval (p = .011). CBSM intervention delivered post-surgery may provide long-term clinical benefit for non-metastatic breast cancer patients in addition to previously established psychological benefits. Results should be interpreted with caution; however, the findings contribute to the limited evidence regarding physical benefits of psychosocial intervention post-surgery for non-metastatic breast cancer. Additional research is necessary to confirm these results and investigate potential explanatory mechanisms, including physiological pathways, health behaviors, and treatment adherence changes.

Putting evidence into practice: an update of evidence-based interventions for cancer-related fatigue during and following treatment

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) has deleterious effects on physical, social, cognitive, and vocational functioning, and causes emotional and spiritual distress for patients and their families; however, it remains under-recognized and undertreated. This article critically reviews and integrates the available empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment approaches to CRF, highlighting new evidence since 2007 and 2009 Putting Evidence Into Practice publications. Interventions that are recommended for practice or likely to be effective in improving fatigue outcomes include exercise; screening for treatable risk factors; management of concurrent symptoms; yoga; structured rehabilitation; Wisconsin ginseng; cognitive-behavioral therapies for insomnia, pain, and depression; mindfulness-based stress reduction; and psychoeducational interventions such as anticipatory guidance, psychosocial support, and energy conservation and activity management. This information can be applied to improve the management of CRF, inform health policy and program development, shape the design of clinical trials of new therapies for CRF, and drive basic and translational research.

Illness Perceptions in Women with Breast Cancer-a Systematic Literature Review

Women with breast cancer respond to the illness and its medical management in their own personal way. Their coping behavior and self-management are determined by their views (cognitions) and feelings (emotions) about symptoms and illness: their illness perceptions. This paper reports the results of a systematic literature review of illness perceptions and breast cancer. In the 12 studies identified, published between 2012 and 2015, illness perceptions were found to be important concomitants of medical and behavioral outcomes: fear of recurrence, distress, quality of life, satisfaction with medical care, use of traditional healers, and risk perception. Intervention studies are called for where the effects are examined of replacing unhelpful illness perceptions by more constructive ones. Health care providers do well by incorporating illness perceptions in their care for women with breast cancer, as this is instrumental in improving patients’ quality of life.

Perceived Fatigue Interference and Depressed Mood: Comparison of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Patients with Fatigued Breast Cancer Survivors

OBJECTIVE

Persistent fatigue and depressive symptoms are both highly prevalent among patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) as well as breast cancer survivors. This study aimed to assess and directly compare perceptions of fatigue as highly interfering in one's daily functioning in both patient populations to better understand their relationships with depressed mood.

METHODS

Participants were 95 female CFS/ME patients and 67 females who were approximately 5 years post-treatment for stage 0-III breast cancer presenting with clinically elevated fatigue severity. Self-report measures were obtained on participants' fatigue-related interference in daily functioning and fatigue severity as well as depressed mood. Hierarchical regression was used to test effects controlling for relevant demographic, psychosocial, and medical covariates.

RESULTS

CFS/ME patients endorsed greater depressed mood and fatigue interference than did fatigued breast cancer survivors, p's<.001. These factors were significantly positively correlated among CFS/ME patients (β=.36, p<.001), but not the fatigued breast cancer survivors (β=.18, p=.19).

CONCLUSIONS

CFS/ME patients reported elevated fatigue symptoms and depression relative to fatigued breast cancer survivors. In the former group, greater depressed mood was highly and significantly associated with greater fatigue-related inference in daily activities. Potential targets for cognitive behavioral interventions are discussed.

Screening, evaluation, and management of cancer-related fatigue: Ready for implementation to practice?

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Evidence regarding cancer-related fatigue (fatigue) has accumulated sufficiently such that recommendations for screening, evaluation, and/or management have been released recently by 4 leading cancer organizations. These evidence-based fatigue recommendations are available for clinicians, and some have patient versions; but barriers at the patient, clinician, and system levels hinder dissemination and implementation into practice. The underlying biologic mechanisms for this debilitating symptom have not been elucidated completely, hindering the development of mechanistically driven interventions. However, significant progress has been made toward methods for screening and comprehensively evaluating fatigue and other common symptoms using reliable and valid self-report measures. Limited data exist to support the use of any pharmacologic agent; however, several nonpharmacologic interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing fatigue in adults. Never before have evidence-based recommendations for fatigue management been disseminated by 4 premier cancer organizations (the National Comprehensive Cancer, the Oncology Nursing Society, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer/Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology). Clinicians may ask: Are we ready for implementation into practice? The reply: A variety of approaches to screening, evaluation, and management are ready for implementation. To reduce fatigue severity and distress and its impact on functioning, intensified collaborations and close partnerships between clinicians and researchers are needed, with an emphasis on system-wide efforts to disseminate and implement these evidence-based recommendations.

Long-term psychological benefits of cognitive-behavioral stress management for women with breast cancer: 11-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer survivors experience long-term physical and psychological sequelae after their primary treatment that negatively influence their quality of life (QOL) and increase depressive symptoms. Group-based cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) delivered after surgery for early-stage breast cancer was previously associated with better QOL over a 12-month follow-up and with fewer depressive symptoms up to 5 years after study enrollment. This 8- to 15-year follow-up (median, 11 years) of a previously conducted trial (NCT01422551) evaluated whether women in this cohort receiving CBSM had fewer depressive symptoms and better QOL than controls at an 8- to 15-year follow-up.

METHODS

Women with stage 0 to IIIb breast cancer were initially recruited 2 to 10 weeks after surgery and randomized to a 10-week CBSM intervention or a 1-day psychoeducational control group. One hundred women (51 CBSM patients and 49 controls) were recontacted 8 to 15 years after study enrollment to participate in a follow-up assessment. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) were self-administered. Multiple regression was employed to evaluate group differences on the CES-D scale and FACT-B over and above effects of confounding variables.

RESULTS

Participants assigned to CBSM reported significantly lower depressive symptoms (d, 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56-0.70) and better QOL (d, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.52-0.65) above the effects of the covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Women who received CBSM after surgery for early-stage breast cancer reported lower depressive symptoms and better QOL than the control group up to 15 years later. Early implementation of cognitive-behavioral interventions may influence long-term psychosocial functioning in breast cancer survivors.

Comparison of self-report sleep measures for individuals with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE

To investigate self-report measures of sleep disturbances and sleep-related impairments in samples of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) or spinal cord injury (SCI).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Community based.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults (age ≥18y) (N=700) with either MS (n=461) or SCI (n=239) who were enrolled in a longitudinal survey of self-reported health outcomes and who completed self-report sleep measures at 1 time point.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS-S), Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) sleep disturbance short form, and PROMIS sleep-related impairments short form.

RESULTS

Mean scores on the MOS-S sleep index II were significantly worse for both the MS and SCI samples than those of previously reported samples representative of the U.S. general population (P<.0001 for each group). The PROMIS sleep disturbance short form and PROMIS sleep-related impairments short form scores of the MS sample were also significantly different from those reported for the calibration cohort (P<.0001 on each scale). However, although the scores of the SCI sample were significantly different from those of the comparison cohort for the PROMIS sleep-related impairments short form (P=.045), the differences on the PROMIS sleep disturbance short form were not significant (P=.069).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the MOS-S scores for the MS and SCI cohorts clearly indicated significantly high levels of sleep-related problems and were consistent with existing literature, the more ambiguous findings from the PROMIS sleep disturbance short form and PROMIS sleep-related impairments short form suggest that not enough is currently known about how these instruments function when applied to those with chronic neurologic dysfunction.

Sleep disturbance in cancer patients and caregivers who contact telephone-based help services

PURPOSE

Insomnia is highly prevalent in people who are affected by cancer. However, options available to receive support for insomnia are limited. Telephone-based help services, such as cancer helplines, may be ideally placed to meet unmet needs regarding insomnia after cancer. The present study describes the prevalence and predictors of insomnia in patients and caregivers who call cancer helplines seeking support.

METHODS

Participants (N = 500 patients, N = 234 caregivers) were recruited through an Australian state-based telephone-delivered cancer helpline. In addition to routine screening with the Distress Thermometer, participants were administered the Insomnia Severity Index.

RESULTS

Most participants were female, older than 50 years of age, and were three (caregivers) to four (patients) months post-diagnosis. Insomnia symptoms were reported by 59.4 % of patients and 62.9 % of caregivers, with moderate to severe levels of insomnia reported by 27 % of patients and 30 % of caregivers. Insomnia was predicted by distress level for both patients (β = .31, p < .001) and caregivers (β = .32, p < .001) and age for patients only (β = -.13, p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Insomnia symptoms are common in patients and caregivers who call cancer helplines and appear to be related to distress. Telephone-based helplines have the potential to act as the first line of support in a stepped care approach addressing insomnia.