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McGrady ME, Willard VW, Williams AM, Brinkman TM. Psychological Outcomes in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:707-716. [PMID: 37967297 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of cancer during adolescent and young adulthood (AYA) may alter the development and psychological trajectory of survivors across their lifespan. The current review focuses broadly on emotional health, social functioning, health behaviors, and cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) among AYA survivors. Overall, AYA survivors appear to be at elevated risk of emotional distress symptoms, mood and anxiety disorders, suicide, and mental health care service utilization compared with individuals without a cancer history. Difficulties with social relationships and reduced achievement of expected social outcomes including educational attainment and employment have been reported. Despite risk for health-related morbidities, including subsequent neoplasms, many AYA survivors do not engage in health behaviors at the recommended levels for physical activity, diet, or tobacco and alcohol use. Although CRCI has not been comprehensively characterized in this population, subgroups of AYA survivors appear to be at risk for experiencing CRCI, including survivors of central nervous system tumors, Hodgkin lymphoma, testicular, and breast cancer. Across each considered domain of psychological functioning, intervention efforts have largely focused on acceptability and feasibility with an increasing focus on e/mHealth approaches. Future research should include multiphase studies, including randomized controlled trials designed to evaluate intervention efficacy and effectiveness. It is imperative that psychological interventions consider the unique needs of AYA survivors by developmental stage and across multiple levels of influence (patient, support system, institution, and health care system).
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E McGrady
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Patient and Family Wellness Center, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Victoria W Willard
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - AnnaLynn M Williams
- Department of Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, Rochester, NY
| | - Tara M Brinkman
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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2
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Schilstra CE, Sansom-Daly UM, Ellis SJ, Trahair TN, Anazodo AC, Amiruddin A, Lindsay T, Maguire F, Wakefield CE, Lah S, Bland E, Lenthen K, Rifkin A, Awan A, Kittos T, Hanbury N, Tsalidis S, Patterson P, McDonald F, Fardell JE. Guidelines for Caring for the Social Well-Being of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer in Australia. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2024; 13:8-29. [PMID: 37367208 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 1000 Australian adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are diagnosed with cancer annually. Many report unmet social well-being needs, which impact their mental health. Australian AYA cancer care providers lack guidance to address these needs well. We aimed to develop guidelines for caring for the social well-being of AYAs with cancer in Australia. Following the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council guidance, we formed a multidisciplinary working group (n = 4 psychosocial researchers, n = 4 psychologists, n = 4 AYA cancer survivors, n = 2 oncologists, n = 2 nurses, and n = 2 social workers), defined the scope of the guidelines, gathered evidence via a systematic review, graded the evidence, and surveyed AYA cancer care providers about the feasibility and acceptability of the guidelines. The guidelines recommend which AYAs should have their social well-being assessed, who should lead that assessment, when assessment should occur with which tools/measures, and how clinicians can address AYAs' social well-being concerns. A key clinician, who is knowledgeable about AYAs' developmental needs, should lead the assessment of social well-being during and after cancer treatment. The AYA Psycho-Oncology Screening Tool is recommended to screen for social well-being needs. The HEADSSS Assessment (Home, Education/Employment, Eating/Exercise, Activities/Peer Relationships, Drug use, Sexuality, Suicidality/Depression, Safety/Spirituality Assessment) can be used for in-depth assessment of social well-being, while the Social Phobia Inventory can be used to assess social anxiety. AYA cancer care providers rated the guidelines as highly acceptable, but discussed many feasibility barriers. These guidelines provide an optimal care pathway for the social well-being of AYAs with cancer. Future research addressing implementation is critical to meet AYAs' social well-being needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa E Schilstra
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Ursula M Sansom-Daly
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
- Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah J Ellis
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Toby N Trahair
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Antoinette C Anazodo
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Azhani Amiruddin
- Western Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, Australia
| | | | - Fiona Maguire
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
- Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Suncica Lah
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Bland
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | | | - Allison Rifkin
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Adry Awan
- Cancer Survivor and Advisor, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Pandora Patterson
- Canteen, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fiona McDonald
- Canteen, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joanna E Fardell
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
- Western Sydney Youth Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, Australia
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3
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Buro AW, Sauls R, Stern M, Carson TL. A qualitative study of stress experiences, health behaviors, and intervention preferences in young adult cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:295. [PMID: 37093353 PMCID: PMC10123481 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07756-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To inform behavioral intervention development, this study examined experiences and unmet needs related to stress, diet, and physical activity in young adult (YA) cancer survivors. METHODS Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of YA cancer survivors (n = 12 aged 18-29 years; n = 11 aged 30-39 years; 57% racial or ethnic minority) between May and July 2022 via Zoom. Data were analyzed using a coding reliability approach to thematic analysis. RESULTS Stressor-related themes included health and health care, economic stability, social and community context, and balancing responsibilities. Transition to independent adulthood was discussed among younger participants (18-29 years). Coping-related themes included letting go, keeping anchored in faith, and distraction. Older participants (30-39 years) reported more diverse coping strategies. Routine and consistency and the impact of stress were themes aligning with health behaviors. Control was a cross-cutting theme regarding stressors, coping, and health behaviors. Themes related to intervention preferences included individualized approach, expert-based content, peer support, integrative self-care, and manageability. Younger participants preferred multiple intervention formats (e.g., website, tracking logs). CONCLUSIONS Findings highlighted unmet needs regarding social and environmental stressors in YA cancer survivors and a preference for individualized, expert-based content and peer support in stress management-enhanced behavioral interventions. Such interventions may be tailored for specific age groups to account for differences in stress experiences and intervention preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acadia W Buro
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Rachel Sauls
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Marilyn Stern
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Child and Family Studies, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Tiffany L Carson
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
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Acquati C, Miller-Sonet E, Zhang A, Ionescu E. Social Wellbeing in Cancer Survivorship: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Self-Reported Relationship Closeness and Ambivalence from a Community Sample. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:1720-1732. [PMID: 36826094 PMCID: PMC9955865 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Improvements in early screening and treatment have contributed to the growth of the number of cancer survivors. Understanding and mitigating the adverse psychosocial, functional, and economic outcomes they experience is critical. Social wellbeing refers to the quality of the relationship with partners/spouses, children, or significant others. Close relationships contribute to quality of life and self-management; however, limited literature exists about social wellbeing during survivorship. This study examined positive and negative self-reported changes in a community sample of 505 cancer survivors. Fourteen items assessed changes in communication, closeness with partner/children, stability of the relationship, and caregiving burden. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted using a robust weighted least square procedure. Differences by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were investigated. Respondents were mostly male, non-Hispanic white, and ≥4 years since diagnosis. Two factors, labeled Relationship Closeness and Ambivalence, emerged from the analysis. Women, younger survivors, individuals from minority groups, and those with lower income experienced greater negative changes in social wellbeing. Variations by treatment status, time since diagnosis, and institution were also reported. This contribution identifies groups of cancer survivors experiencing affected social wellbeing. Results emphasize the need to develop interventions sustaining the quality of interpersonal relationships to promote long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-743-4343
| | | | - Anao Zhang
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elena Ionescu
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
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Schilstra CE, Fardell JE, Ellis SJ, Jones KM, Anazodo AC, Trahair TN, Lah S, Cohn RJ, Wakefield CE, Sansom-Daly UM. Social Anxiety Symptoms in Survivors of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2021; 11:129-137. [PMID: 34252287 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2021.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors may be at risk of developing symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) due to disruptions in social participation and functioning following a cancer diagnosis. This study aimed to explore (1) the proportion of Australian AYA-aged survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer who experience symptoms of SAD, (2) how symptoms of SAD are described by survivors as affecting their daily social functioning. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed, inviting survivors, aged 13-25 years, who had completed treatment between one and ten years ago. Survivors completed a paper-based questionnaire, containing validated measures of SAD, and an optional semistructured interview assessing current social functioning and social anxiety. Results: Twenty-seven survivors aged 13-25 years participated (M = 19.15, 51.9% male, and 7 years post-treatment). Nine (33%) participants reported clinically significant symptoms of SAD. In interviews, survivors reported worries about how others perceived them and fears around meeting new people. Survivors described that this impacted their daily social functioning, leading them to avoid, or endure with distress, feared social situations. Conclusion: This study shows that clinically significant social anxiety may be a concern for a subset of survivors of childhood/adolescent cancer. Identifying which young people are at risk of SAD after cancer and how best to support this vulnerable cohort is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa E Schilstra
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joanna E Fardell
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Youth Cancer Services, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Sarah J Ellis
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kimberley M Jones
- Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Antoinette C Anazodo
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Toby N Trahair
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Suncica Lah
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard J Cohn
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ursula M Sansom-Daly
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Schilstra CE, Fardell JE, Burns MA, Ellis SJ, Anazodo AC, Trahair TN, Sansom-Daly UM. Determinants of social functioning among adolescents and young adults with cancer: A systematic review. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1626-1642. [PMID: 34081823 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer report deficits in social functioning relative to healthy peers. Identifying factors related to their social functioning is critical to improve their long-term social outcomes. This review addressed: (1) How is social functioning defined and measured among studies of AYAs who have had cancer? (2) What factors have quantitatively/qualitatively are associated with/predictors of social functioning? and (3) What associated factors/predictors of social functioning are modifiable and amenable to intervention? METHODS A systematic review was conducted to identify publications from 2000 to 2021, meeting these criteria: (1) mean/median age at diagnosis/treatment 13-40, (2) assessed social functioning with a validated measure and included factors associated with/predictive of social functioning and/or qualitatively assessed young people's perceptions of factors related to their social functioning and (3) was peer-reviewed/published in English. RESULTS Thirty-seven publications were included. Definitions and measures of social functioning varied, and factors related to social functioning varied based on definition. Factors most commonly associated with decreased social functioning included treatment status (receiving or completed treatment), poor physical functioning, depression, negative body image, engaging in social comparisons, social/cultural stigma around cancer, and fatigue. Increased social functioning was most commonly associated with social support and the quality/age-appropriateness of care. CONCLUSIONS Social functioning is multidimensional construct for AYAs diagnosed with cancer and may not be adequately assessed with measures of adjustment or quality of life. Future studies should clarify how to optimally define and measure social functioning in this population, to ensure their functioning can be protected and promoted long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa E Schilstra
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia.,Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Joanna E Fardell
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia.,Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Mary A Burns
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Sarah J Ellis
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia.,Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Antoinette C Anazodo
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia.,Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Toby N Trahair
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - Ursula M Sansom-Daly
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia.,Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, Australia.,Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
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Duan Y, Wang L, Sun Q, Liu X, Ding S, Cheng Q, Xie J, Cheng ASK. Prevalence and Determinants of Psychological Distress in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients with Cancer: A Multicenter Survey. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2021; 8:314-321. [PMID: 33850965 PMCID: PMC8030586 DOI: 10.4103/2347-5625.311005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the current prevalence and determinants of psychological distress and the association of distress with general information, character strengths, medical coping, and social support in Chinese adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15-39 years with cancer. Methods A multicenter survey was carried out. Eight hundred and nine patients completed the Chinese version of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network distress thermometer (DT), the three-dimensional inventory of character strengths, the medical coping modes questionnaire, and the Social Support Rating Scale. Results The current prevalence of psychological distress in Chinese AYAs with cancer was 83.4%. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, educational level, marriage, monthly income, exercise intensity, cancer classifications, treatments, self-control, confrontation, avoidance, and subjective support were all associated with distress. AYA cancer patients who were female, younger, or divorced or had a lower monthly income, education level, or exercise intensity were more likely to have higher level of distress. Compared to AYAs with other cancer classifications, patients with digestive system malignancies, breast cancers, and head and neck malignancies had a higher prevalence of distress. Patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy were more likely to be distressed. The higher the self-control, confrontation, avoidance, and subjective support scores were, the lower the prevalence of distress was among AYA cancer patients. Conclusions The prevalence of psychological distress in AYA cancer patients was relatively high. Potential interventions targeting exercise intensity, character strengths, medical coping, and social support may decrease the prevalence of psychological distress in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglong Duan
- Department of Nursing, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Nursing, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Nursing, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- Health Management Centre, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Siqing Ding
- Department of Nursing, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qinqin Cheng
- Pain Management Department, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Jianfei Xie
- Department of Nursing, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Andy S K Cheng
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Albers T, Weiss LA, Sleeman SHE, Husson O. Evaluation of a Positive Psychology Group Intervention in Nature for Young Cancer Survivors to Promote Well-Being and Post-Cancer Identity Development. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2021; 10:726-734. [PMID: 33601973 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors (15-39 years) often struggle with their post-cancer identity. We developed an age-appropriate positive psychology group intervention with fellow AYA cancer survivors in a nature-rich environment. The aim of this study was to examine the needs and expectations of participants of this new, 1-week post-cancer identity intervention, and to evaluate their experiences to identify factors that contribute to the quality and impact of post-cancer mental health care interventions. Methods: This was a mixed-method exploratory pilot study evaluating a new, 1-week post-cancer identity intervention. The participants (n = 13) completed questionnaires at baseline measuring needs and expectations, and on the last day of the intervention and at 1-month follow-up, measuring experiences. Results: Participants' expectations to be supported in finding their post-cancer identity and receiving acknowledgment and recognition of their suffering in fellow AYAs were met. The intervention was perceived as positively contributing to post-cancer identity development (n = 11) and several aspects of well-being. Most appreciated elements of the intervention were peer support and the nature-rich environment on perceived well-being. Conclusion: The group-based positive psychology after care intervention in nature for AYA oncology was well received by participants and provided useful feedback for improvement of future editions. The intervention could offer support to AYA's in the promotion of their well-being and post-cancer identity development, but more research is needed to confirm this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Albers
- Department of Psychology of Developmental and Socialization Processes, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Anatta Foundation, Aalten, the Netherlands
| | - Laura A Weiss
- Faculty of Law, Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- North-West University, Optentia Research Focus Area, Vanderbijlpark, South-Africa
| | | | - Olga Husson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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Walsh C, Jang Y, Currin-McCulloch J, Simon P, Cubbin C, Jones B. Pilot Use of Selected Measures from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Social and Mental Health Domains with Young Adult Cancer Patients During the Transition to Survivorship Care. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019; 8:635-639. [PMID: 31242051 PMCID: PMC6791479 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2019.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Social reintegration is an important part of young adult cancer patients' transition to survivorship care. As part of a mixed methods study exploring the social functioning of young adult cancer patients during this transition process, participants (N = 13) completed four selected measures from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) social and mental health domains within ∼6 months of completion of active treatment and 3 months later. The majority of participants (n = 10) had T-scores within normal limits on all measures. Three participants had T-scores in the mild or moderate impairment range across time points. No significant differences were found between groups at Time 1 and Time 2 on any of the four measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Walsh
- School of Public Health, Department of Health Services, The University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Yuri Jang
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Pamela Simon
- Stanford Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Catherine Cubbin
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Barbara Jones
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
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