Interventions with Social Integration Components Addressing Psychosocial Outcomes of Young- and Middle-Aged Adult Cancer Individuals: A Systematic Review
Abstract
:Simple Summary
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Methods
3. Results
3.1. Technology-Based Interventions (Table 2)
3.1.1. Internet, Online Chat/Discussion, or Facebook Groups
3.1.2. Telephone-Based Interventions
3.2. Non-Technology-Based Interventions (Table 3)
3.3. Mixed-Type (Technology- and Non-Technology-Based) Interventions (Table 4)
4. Discussion
4.1. Technology-Based Interventions
4.2. Non-Technology-Based Interventions
4.3. Mixed-Type Interventions
4.4. Implementation Challenges of Technology- and Non-Technology-Based Interventions
5. Limitations
6. Conclusions
Supplementary Materials
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Author (Publication Year) | Country | Study Aim | Study Sample [Survivors/Patients, Diagnoses, Sample Sizes] | Age in Years (Mean ± SD) | Sex | Race/Ethnicity | Time Since Cancer Diagnosis in Years, Months, or Days (Mean ± SD) | Intervention Platform | Outcome of Interest |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Technology-based interventions | |||||||||
Ashing-Giwa (2008) [26] | USA | Assess the feasibility of implementing culturally sensitive telephone intervention for Latina American cervical cancer survivors. | Survivors Diagnosis: Cervical Sample sizes: IG = 15 CG = 8 | IG = 47.9 ± 6.9 CG = 55.5 ± 14.9 | Female = 23 | Latina American = 23 | IG = 3.0 ± 1.2 years CG = 4.1 ± 1.5 years | Telephone | PRO (QOL) |
Casillas (2019) [27] | USA | Compare text messaging and peer navigation to traditional and standard-of-care online materials (Health Links) to inform adolescents and young adults on cancer survivorship care. | Survivors Diagnoses: Leukemia, lymphoma, CNS, kidney, bone/soft-tissue sarcoma Sample sizes: IG (text messaging) = 28 IG (peer navigation) = 25 CG = 25 | IG (text messaging) = 21 ± 5 IG (peer navigation) = 21 ± 6 CG = 20 ± 5 | IG (text messaging): Male = 15 Female = 13 IG (peer navigation): Male = 11 Female = 14 CG: Male = 11 Female = 14 | IG (text messaging): Non-Hispanic/Latino White = 11; Black = 1; Asian = 3; Hispanic/Latino = 12; Mixed race/ethnicity = 1 IG (peer navigation): Non-Hispanic/Latino White = 10; Hispanic/Latino = 11; Mixed race/ethnicity = 4 CG: Non-Hispanic/Latino White = 8; Black = 1; Asian = 1; Hispanic/Latino = 13; Mixed race/ethnicity = 2 | Time since completing treatment: IG (text messaging) = 8 ± 5 years IG (peer navigation) = 9 ± 7 years CG = 8 ± 7 | Telephone | PROs (knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy for survivorship care planning) |
Chee (2020) [28] | USA | Explore preliminary efficacy of technology-based cancer pain management support program for Asian American survivors of breast cancer in improving cancer pain experience. | Survivors Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 64 CG = 30 | IG = 38.4 ± 6.20 CG = 48.0 ± 11.1 | Female = 94 | IG: Chinese = 63; Other = 1 CG: Chinese = 13; Korean = 6; Japanese = 3; Other = 5 | IG = 2.5 ± 1.2 years CG = 1.1 ± 0.6 years | Online discussion board, online educational sessions, online resources including videos | Social outcome (isolation), PROs (pain, uncertainty, self-efficacy), and health-related resources (cancer-related health resources) |
Classen (2012) [41] | Canada | Examine participation rates and preliminary outcomes for online support group after gynecologic cancer treatment. | Patients Diagnoses: Cervical, ovarian, uterine Sample sizes: IG = 13 CG = 14 | IG = 39.9 CG = 44.6 | Female = 27 | IG: Black = 2; Asian = 1; White/European = 10 CG: Asian = 2; Latin American = 2; White/European = 10 | Time since completing treatment: IG = 24.3 ± 10.4 months CG = 31.3 ± 26.7 months | Online synchronous and asynchronous sessions | PROs (sexual distress, depression, anxiety, illness intrusiveness) |
Gustafson (2001) [29] | USA | Assess the impact of a computer-based patient support system on QOL in younger women with breast cancer. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 121 CG = 125 | IG = 44.3 ± 6.6 CG = 44.4 ± 7.1 | Female = 246 | IG: Caucasian = 92; Other = 29 CG: Caucasian = 90; Other = 35 | IG = 55.0 ± 36.3 days CG = 47.4 ± 32.6 days | Home computer through the central server for communication | Social outcomes (communication with healthcare providers, social support) and PRO (QOL) |
Lang (2020) [42] | Canada | Examine online synchronous chat group-plus-education (OSG + E) and online synchronous chat group-using video (OSG + V) models’ content sustainability, group processes, and feasibility in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. | Survivors Diagnoses: Hematopoietic, breast, CNS, digestive organs Sample sizes: IG (OSG + E) = 8 IG (OSG + V) = 8 CG = 18 | IG (OSG + E) = 34.5 ± 4.6 IG (OSG + V) = 28.9 ± 4.3 CG = 29.8 ± 5.8 | IG (OSG + E): Male = 2 Female = 6 IG (OSG + V): Male = 3 Female = 5 CG: Male = 6 Female = 12 | Not reported | IG (OSG + E) = Median 21.5 months IG (OSG + V) = Median 7.5 months CG = Median 8.0 months | Online chat and video | Social outcomes (group cohesion, valued group experiences) and PROs (post-traumatic stress and growth, loneliness, distress, coping) |
Valle (2013) [31] | USA | Evaluate adherence to and acceptability of Facebook-based intervention approaches to improve moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. | Survivors Diagnoses: Hematologic, breast, gynecologic, head and neck, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, genitourinary, lung Sample sizes: IG = 45 CG = 41 | IG = 30.8 ± 5.7 CG = 32.7 ± 4.2 | IG: Male = 4 Female = 41 CG: Male = 4 Female = 37 | IG: Non-Hispanic White = 42; Black/other = 3 CG: Non-Hispanic White = 36; Black/other = 5 | IG = 63.2 ± 7.8 months CG = 53.7 ± 5.1 months | Facebook group, videos | PRO (QOL) and lifestyle outcome (physical activity) |
Valle (2015) [32] | USA | Evaluate (1) the effects of physical activity intervention for young adult cancer survivors on changes in self-efficacy, social support, and self-monitoring for behavior change; (2) whether changes in social cognitive theory constructs mediated the relationship between intervention and changes in physical activity. | Survivors Diagnoses: Excluded non-melanoma skin cancer Sample sizes: IG = 45 CG = 41 | IG = 30.8 ± 5.7 CG = 32.7 ± 4.2 | IG: Male = 4 Female = 41 CG: Male = 4 Female = 37 | IG: Non-Hispanic White = 42; Black/other = 3 CG: Non-Hispanic White = 36; Black/other = 5 | Not reported | Facebook group, videos | Social outcome (social support), PRO (self-monitoring), and lifestyle outcome (physical activity) |
Valle (2017) [30] | USA | Evaluate the use of Facebook for engaging in a social networking site-based physical activity intervention program among young adult cancer survivors. | Survivors Diagnoses: Excluded non-melanoma skin cancer Sample sizes: IG = 45 CG = 41 | IG = 30.8 ± 5.7 CG = 32.7 ± 4.2 | IG: Male = 4 Female = 41 CG: Male = 9 Female = 37 | IG: Non-Hispanic White = 42; Black/other = 3 CG: Non-Hispanic White = 36; Black/other = 5 | IG = 63.2 ± 52.1 months CG = 52.7 ± 32.7 months | Facebook group, videos | Lifestyle outcome (physical activity) |
Winzelberg (2003) [33] | USA | Evaluate the psychological benefits of online breast cancer support groups. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 36 CG = 36 | Total = 49.5 ± 6.2 | Female = 72 | Caucasian = 58; African American = 3; Asian = 3; Hispanic/Latina = 4; Other = 4 | 12 ± 9 months | Online support group | PROs (depression, stress, trauma) |
Zhou (2020) [38] | China | Evaluate benefits of mobile internet-based communication software (WeChat) multimodal nursing program on early rehabilitation in post-operative women with breast cancer. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 56 CG = 55 | IG = 49.84 ± 8.85 CG = 49.98 ± 9.84 | Female = 111 | Not reported | Not reported | WeChat (mobile internet-based communication software) | PRO (QOL) |
Non-technology-based interventions | |||||||||
Chan (2006) [52] | Hong Kong | Evaluate effects of psychosocial interventions on psychophysiological outcomes in breast cancer patients. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG (Body–Mind–Spirit) = 27 IG (supportive expressive) = 16 IG (social support self-help) = 16 CG = 17 | IG (Body–Mind–Spirit) = 49.5 ± 6.9 IG (supportive expressive) = 46.9 ± 8.8 IG (social support self-help) = 50.3 ± 8.4 CG = 47.5 ± 9.8 | Female = 76 | Chinese = 76 | IG (Body–Mind– Spirit) = 22.9 ± 17.3 months IG (supportive expressive) = 29.1 ± 24.0 months IG (social support self-help) = 28.8 ± 14.8 months CG = 29.9 ± 16.9 months | In-person sessions | Social outcome (social support) and PROs (emotional control, stress) |
Classen (2008) [35] | USA | Evaluate the effectiveness of a supportive–expressive group therapy program among breast cancer patients treated in community settings and determine whether highly distressed patients were most likely to benefit. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 177 CG = 176 | IG = 49.8 ± 10.9 CG = 49.7 ± 10.6 | Female = 353 | IG: Black = 4; Asian American = 3; Native American = 5; White/European American = 162 CG: Black = 6; Asian American = 4; Mexican American = 2; Other Hispanic/Latina = 1; Native American = 11; White/European American = 149 | IG = 7.5 ± 3.8 months CG = 6.9 ± 3.7 months | In-person sessions | Social outcomes (family relations, social support) and PROs (mood, anxiety, depression) |
Gonzales (2016) [36] | USA | Evaluate the relationship between emotional social support and emotional well-being in Latina immigrant women with breast cancer. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample size: Total = 150 | Total = 50.1 ± 10.9 | Female = 150 | Region of origin: Mexico = 101; Central America = 35; South America = 14 | Diagnosed in the past year | In-person sessions | Social outcome (emotional social support) and PROs (emotional well-being, acceptance) |
Hoffman (2012) [49] | UK | Evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction on mood, breast- and endocrine-specific QOL, and well-being post-treatment in women with stages 0 to III breast cancer. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 114 CG = 115 | IG = 49 ± 9.26 CG = 50.1 ± 9.14 | Female = 229 | Not reported | IG = 17.4 ± 13 months CG = 19.0 ± 15 months | In-person sessions | Social outcome (social well-being) and PROs (anxiety, mood, depression, anger, fatigue, well-being) |
Kissane (2004) [50] | Australia | Evaluate the impact of cognitive–existential group therapy on survival in women with early-stage cancer. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 154 CG = 149 | IG = 45.4 ± 8.0 CG = 47.3 ± 8.3 | Female = 303 | Not reported | Total = 102 ± 56 days | In-person sessions | PROs (anxiety, family functioning) and survival outcome |
Samami (2020) [43] | Iran | Investigate the effect of the supportive program on coping strategies and stress in women with breast cancer. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 27 CG = 30 | IG = 43.8 ± 7.4 CG = 44.0 ± 7.3 | Female = 57 | Not reported | IG = 4.6 ± 2.0 months CG = 5.4 ± 1.5 months | In-person sessions | PROs (coping, stress) |
Scheier (2005) [34] | USA | Evaluate effects of educational intervention and nutritional intervention on enhancing physical and psychological functioning in younger women with early-stage breast cancer. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG (nutrition) = 78 IG (education) = 70 CG = 76 | IG (nutrition) = 44.2 IG (education) = 43.7 CG = 44.6 | Female = 224 | IG (nutrition): Caucasian = 71; African American = 4; Other = 3 IG (education): Caucasian = 67; African American = 3; Other = 0 CG: Caucasian = 74; African American = 2; Other = 0 | IG(nutrition) = 6 months IG(education) = 6 months CG = 6.5 months | In-person sessions | PROs (depression, QOL) |
Schover (2006) [37] | USA | Describe the use of a peer counseling program to improve sexual function and reproductive health and decrease menopausal symptoms and infertility-related distress for African American breast cancer survivors. | Survivors Diagnosis: Breast Sample size: Total = 48 | Total = 49.3 ± 8.4 | Female = 48 | African American = 48 | Total = 4.5 ± 3.8 years | In-person sessions | PROs (reproductive issues, emotional distress) |
Sturm (2014) [51] | Germany | Evaluate the effect of dance as a holistic sportive activity in cancer patients under active cancer treatment. | Patients Diagnoses: Breast, ovarian, gastrointestinal Sample sizes: IG = 20 CG = 20 | IG = 49.0 (median) CG = 50.5 (median) | IG: Male = 1 Female = 19 CG: Male = 2 Female = 18 | Not reported | Not reported | In-person sessions | Social outcome (social functioning) and PROs (fatigue, emotional functioning, QOL) |
Tabrizi (2016) [44] | Iran | Evaluate the effect of supportive–expressive discussion groups on loneliness, hope, and QOL in breast cancer survivors. | Patients Survivors: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 41 CG = 40 | Total = 47.9 ± 11.4 | Female = 81 | Not reported | Total (frequency): <6 months since diagnosis = 11 >6 months since diagnosis = 70 | In-person sessions | Social outcome (loneliness) and PROs (QOL, hope, mental health) |
Vos (2004) [45] | Netherlands | Examine the effects of two psychosocial intervention programs in women with primary, non-metastatic breast cancer. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG (group psychotherapy) = 15 IG (social support) = 19 CG = 35 | Total = 49.2 ± 7.90 | Female = 69 | Not reported | Total = 9.3 weeks | In-person sessions | Social outcome (social support) and PROs (coping, mood) |
Vos (2007) [46] | Netherlands | Evaluate the effectiveness of experiential–existential group psychotherapy or social support group on psychosocial adjustment in women with primary breast cancer. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG (group psychotherapy) = 33 IG (social support) = 34 | IG (group psychotherapy) = 49.0 IG (social support) = 49.4 | Female = 67 | Not reported | Time since surgery: IG (group psychotherapy) = 10.7 weeks IG (social support) = 13.0 weeks | In-person sessions | Social outcome (social interactions), PROs (mood, body image), and lifestyle outcome (recreation) |
Zhang (2017) [39] | China | Evaluate the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction on promoting post-traumatic growth and decreasing perceived stress and anxiety in Chinese breast cancer patients. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 30 CG = 30 | IG = 48.7 ± 8.5 CG = 46.0 ± 5.1 | Female = 60 | Not reported | Not reported | In-person sessions | PROs (stress, anxiety) |
Mixed-type (technology- and non-technology-based) interventions | |||||||||
Chen (2019) [53] | Taiwan | Evaluate the effect of the behavior change program and health education on depression, fear of social interactions, avoidance of social interactions, physical function, and social–emotional function in head and neck cancer survivors. | Survivors Diagnoses: Head and neck Sample sizes: IG = 50 CG = 50 | IG = 47.8 ± 1.0 CG = 49.1 ± 1.1 | IG: Male = 40 Female = 10 CG: Male = 41 Female = 1 | Not reported | IG = 3.0 ± 1.3 months CG = 3.1 ± 1.2 months | In-person sessions, provided video disc to watch after session, telephone | Social outcome (social interactions) and PROs (depression, anxiety, QOL) |
Lee (2013) [47] | South Korea | Test effects of a dyadic peer support intervention on self-efficacy, anxiety, depression, and mental adjustment among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in Korea. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 64 CG = 65 | Total = 47.7 ± 7.0 | Female = 129 | Not reported | Total = within 1 month of diagnosis | In-person sessions and telephone | PROs (anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, mental adjustment) |
Park (2012) [48] | South Korea | Examine the effect of a psychoeducational support program on QOL and symptoms in women with breast cancer one-year post-treatment. | Survivors Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 25 CG = 23 | IG = 44.3 ± 6.0 CG = 47.6 ± 6.2 | Female = 48 | Not reported | Not reported | In-person sessions and telephone | PROs (QOL, emotional well-being) |
Ye (2016) [40] | China | Examine the efficacy of a multidiscipline mentor-based program on 1) increased protective factors of social support and hope for the future; 2) decreased risk factors of physical and emotional distress; 3) improved resilience, transcendence, and QOL. | Patients Diagnosis: Breast Sample sizes: IG = 93 CG = 82 Norm group = 76 | Frequencies: IG (≤30 years) = 17 IG (31 to ≤50 years) = 35 IG (>50 years) = 41 CG (≤30 years) = 12 CG (31 to ≤50 years) = 37 CG (>50 years) = 33 Norm group (≤30 years) = 21 Norm group (31 to ≤50 years) = 32 Norm group (>50 years) = 23 | Female = 251 | IG: Han = 89; Other = 4 CG: Han = 77; Other = 5 Norm group: Han = 72; Other = 4 | Not reported | In-person sessions and telephone | Social outcome (social support) and PROs (QOL, depression, hope) |
Author (Year) | Intervention(s) Description | Control Group (CG) Description | Intervention Duration | Social Cognitive Theory Component of the Intervention | Results | Implication |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ashing-Giwa (2008) [26] | During telephone counseling sessions, clinical research associates guided survivors in discussing strategies to address individual survivors’ specific concerns across eight domains: orientation and assessment, health education and referrals, coping skills/problem-solving, balancing emotions and stress management and relaxation, family communication skills, relational/sexual communication skills, social support network, and contextual reinforcement and debriefing. | Provided reading materials that included information about cervical cancer, sexuality, stress management, communication with doctors, family communication, information on clinical trials and nutrition, and psychological and medical resources. | 12 weeks | Coping (affect), practice new skills in or outside the intervention, helping set realistic expectations, problem solving |
| Improving physical and overall QOL in low-income Latina American cervical cancer survivors is feasible through individually tailored counseling. |
Casillas (2019) [27] | The text messaging intervention group received an educational book, chose the goals per Adolescent and Young Adult Survivorship Action Plan (ASAP) after reading the book, and texted the goals to the provided number for initiating two-way automated communication to support survivor engagement in accessing community and cancer center resources. The peer-navigation intervention group received an educational book, chose ASAP goals after reading the book, then was matched with a peer navigator. Peer navigators contacted participants through two telephone calls and reviewed ASAP goals and discussed community and cancer center resources to achieve goals. | Provided Health Links (standard of care educational materials created by the Children’s Oncology Group) in the mail after study enrollment. After receiving Health Links, another piece of paper was mailed asking participants to formulate their ASAP goals and develop strategies to help them achieve their ASAP goals. They were encouraged to use the Health Links educational material to find answers and achieve their goals by discussing with their healthcare provider during the study period. | 8 weeks | Goal setting, self-help materials (bibliotherapy) |
| Offering cost-effective and convenient communication via the telephone can help to improve survivorship care. |
Chee (2020) [28] | Participants were provided access to the cancer pain management support program for Asian American survivors of breast cancer, a technology-based cancer pain management program that provided interactive online discussion and resources, including videos from scientific authorities, such as the National Institute of Health and American Cancer Society. Participants posted breast cancer experiences and received individual and group support/coaching from culturally matched participants and healthcare providers. | Provided the website of American Cancer Society. After the intervention and post-assessment were completed, control group participants were offered the support and coaching that was provided to the intervention group. | 4 weeks | Coping (affect), cancer survivor/patient testimony, self-help materials (bibliotherapy) |
| Technology-based culturally tailored intervention is feasible for Asian American breast cancer survivors. |
Classen (2012) [41] | Moderators introduced a topic each week and asked questions to facilitate the discussion. In week 10, a 90 min text-based chat session (i.e., synchronous session) was offered, in which participants interacted with a gynecologic oncologist, radiation oncologist, and moderators. Asynchronous components were discussion forums facilitated by cancer support groups, online support groups, and supportive group psychotherapy for psychosexual concerns. Participants interacted by posting messages, responding to questions, and involvement in the discussion. Cancer-related educational materials and links to online resources were also provided. | Control groups were assigned as a wait-list control group. Wait-list controls were offered intervention after the intervention group completed the intervention. | 12 weeks | Coping (affect), cancer survivor/patient testimony, self-help materials (bibliotherapy) |
| Web-based support group intervention is feasible for addressing psychosexual concerns. |
Gustafson (2001) [29] | To address the needs identified by cancer patients, the intervention included 11 services in three categories: 1) information services—questions/answers, instant library, consumer guide, and referral directory; 2) support services—discussion groups (sharing information and support), ask experts, share personal stories; 3) decision services—assessment (emotional status and coping advice), health charts, decision aid, action plans (identifying goals, resources, and ways to overcome obstacles). Participants accessed materials at their discretion. | Participants in the control group received a copy of Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book as information regarding breast cancer. | 26 weeks | Coping (affect), goal setting, cancer survivor/patient testimony, self-help materials (bibliotherapy) |
| Computer-based support, among those who have Internet access, can benefit breast cancer patients by providing information and social support. |
Lang (2020) [42] | The online synchronous chat group-plus-education intervention model (OSG + E) focused on teaching coping skills (i.e., mindfulness, relaxation, communication, social support, sexuality, and healthy lifestyle) through real-time text conversations. The online synchronous chat intervention group, using a video, model (OSG + V) shared a video to initiate group discussions and focused on sharing feelings, building connections, and cultivating supportive peer relationships. | Participants assigned to the wait-list control group. | 10 weeks | Relaxation training, coping (affect), cancer survivor/patient testimony, problem solving |
| The use of digital storytelling tools to stimulate discussion, foster a sense of belonging, and convey information is feasible. |
Valle (2013) [31] | Participants wore a pedometer, received physical activity goals, and were added to a Facebook group, through which they received daily messages with physical activity information. The intervention group received additional messages to initiate group interaction and social support within the Facebook group. The study moderator posted prompts to the Facebook group, including (1) discussion questions; (2) links to videos, cancer-related news articles, and electronic physical activity resources; and (3) weekly reminders to set up exercise goals, log daily physical activity, and check out posted resources on the Facebook group. | Participants received pedometer in the mail with instructions on how to use it and record their total daily steps. Participants received an introductory email regarding the goal and recommendation regarding physical activity. Participants received links to publicly available websites related to physical activity and/or cancer survivorship, 12 weekly Facebook messages with basic information on physical activity, assigned Facebook group, no access to self-monitoring website, and were not prompted to interact within their Facebook group. | 12 weeks | Coping (physical), self-monitoring of skills/thoughts/etc., goal setting, cancer survivor/patient testimony, self-help materials (bibliotherapy) |
| Social networking sites are a feasible way to distribute health information and support to promote physical activity and healthy behaviors in cancer survivors. |
Valle (2015) [32] | Participants wore a pedometer, received physical activity goals, and were added to a Facebook group, through which they received daily messages with physical activity information. The intervention group received additional messages to initiate group interaction and social support within the Facebook group. The study moderator posted prompts to the Facebook group, including (1) discussion questions; (2) links to videos, cancer-related news articles, and electronic physical activity resources; and (3) weekly reminders to set up exercise goals, log daily physical activity, and check out posted resources on the Facebook group. | Participants received pedometer in the mail with instructions on how to use it and record their total daily steps. Participants received an introductory email regarding the goal and recommendation regarding physical activity. Participants received links to publicly available websites related to physical activity and/or cancer survivorship, 12 weekly Facebook messages with basic information on physical activity, assigned Facebook group, no access to self-monitoring website, and were not prompted to interact within their Facebook group. | 12 weeks | Coping (physical), self-monitoring of skills/thoughts/etc., goal setting, cancer survivor/patient testimony, self-help materials (bibliotherapy) |
| Researchers can target social cognitive theory constructs, including social support, to promote physical activity in cancer survivors. |
Valle (2017) [30] | Participants wore a pedometer, received physical activity goals, and were added to a Facebook group, through which they received daily messages with physical activity information. The intervention group received additional messages to initiate group interaction and social support within the Facebook group. The study moderator posted prompts to the Facebook group, including (1) discussion questions; (2) links to videos, cancer-related news articles, and electronic physical activity resources; and (3) weekly reminders to set up exercise goals, log daily physical activity, and check out posted resources on the Facebook group. | Participants received pedometer in the mail with instructions on how to use it and record their total daily steps. Participants received an introductory email regarding the goal and recommendation regarding physical activity. Participants received links to publicly available websites related to physical activity and/or cancer survivorship, 12 weekly Facebook messages with basic information on physical activity, assigned Facebook group, no access to self-monitoring website, and were not prompted to interact within their Facebook group. | 12 weeks | Coping (physical), self-monitoring of skills/thoughts/etc., goal setting, cancer survivor/patient testimony, self-help materials (bibliotherapy) |
| Peer-led discussions through Facebook help improve group interactions and may be associated with physical activity among cancer survivors. |
Winzelberg (2003) [33] | The intervention was moderated by a mental health professional to facilitate discussion. Asynchronously, participants described illness and treatment and interacted with others by sharing their thoughts openly and honestly, emotional situations, success and frustration, feelings of uncertainty and strategies for coping with feelings about self/body images, romance and sexuality, relationship with family/friends, fear of recurrence, and meaning of life including changes in priorities. | Participants in the wait-list control group were invited to participate in their own support after the post-treatment assessment. | 12 weeks | Coping (affect), coping (spiritual), self-monitoring of skills/thoughts/etc., cancer survivor/patient testimony |
| Cancer patients benefit from receiving open and honest experiences from peers through web-based communications. |
Zhou (2020) [38] | In stage I (from hospital admission to surgery) (a) physical rehabilitation focused on the provision of individualized information (e.g., illness condition, diet, rest) and appropriate exercise training; (b) psychological rehabilitation on feeling expression, communicating with relatives and significant others or peers; (c) social rehabilitation on adaptation to the patient role and social training (e.g., avoiding social isolation). In stage II (post-surgery) (a) physical rehabilitation on recurrence prevention, and coping; (b) psychological counseling, peers sharing coping strategies; and (c) social rehabilitation on role transformation from patient to social role. | Participants in the control group received routine nursing care, such as health education, monitoring vital signs, and post-operative complications, and post-operative and drainage tube care. | 6 months | Relaxation training, coping (physical), coping (affect), self-monitoring of skills/thoughts/etc., goal setting |
| WeChat-based multimodal nursing program can improve the well-being of breast cancer patients who have recently undergone surgery. |
Author (Year) | Intervention(s) Description | Control Group (CG) Description | Intervention Duration | Social Cognitive Theory Component of the Intervention | Results | Implication |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chan (2006) [52] | Body–Mind–Spirit (BMS) intervention group integrated western psychotherapeutic elements into eastern/Chinese health practices (e.g., normalizing traumatic experiences, forgiveness) and used group therapy to explore different ways of learning and expression (e.g., reading, writing, singing, physical activity, meditation, and drawing). Supportive–Expressive (SE) intervention group (western style approach) was led by clinical psychologists and a medical social worker through group therapy sessions focused on building new bonds of social support, dealing with fears of death and body images, reordering life priorities, improving relationships with family/friends, and communicating with healthcare providers. The social support self-help (SS) intervention group (non-professional-led group) did not have a structured program, but a social worker encouraged the group to gather and communicate with people outside the group. | Participants in the control group received educational materials, such as, information regarding nutrition, diet, dealing with edema on arms, body care after chemo- and radiation-therapy. | 8 weeks | Coping (affect), coping (spiritual), cancer survivor/patient testimony |
| Intervention in a culturally supportive and encouraging environment with active professional involvement yields therapeutic effects. |
Classen (2008) [35] | Educational materials and pamphlets published by the American Cancer Society were mailed to participants. The intervention group received supportive–expressive group therapy with therapists, which was an unstructured intervention designed to build new bonds of social support, expression of emotion, enhance communication, enhance symptom control, and deal with concerns, such as fears of death, changes in self/body image, making meaning out of illness, feelings of isolation, and reordering life priorities. | Participants in the control group received educational materials and a brief videotape on breast self-examination as well as pamphlets published by the American Cancer Society in their mail. The pamphlets included facts on cancer, breast self-examination, cooking, helping children understand sexuality, radiation, chemotherapy, and breast changes, but no information on emotional expression or social support. | 12 weeks | Coping (affect), coping (spiritual), self-help materials (bibliotherapy) |
| Supportive–expressive group therapy did not benefit highly distressed cancer individuals. |
Gonzales (2016) [36] | A trained counselor (who was also a breast cancer survivor) met with participants eight times in person over the 8 weeks. The intervention provided cognitive–behavioral coping skills in managing the initial impact of cancer, finding cancer information (effective communication with healthcare providers), getting needed support (talking about cancer with others, identifying sources of support, asking for needed help), thoughts and mood (identifying and managing stress and its causes and coping), stress management techniques, and setting goals for future. Participants were also provided with a list of cancer-related local community resources for support. | Participants in the control group were offered the intervention after 6 months, i.e., after completion of assessment. | 8 weeks | Coping (affect), cognitive restructuring, goal setting, self-help materials (bibliotherapy) |
| Emotional support may increase well-being in Latina cancer survivors. |
Hoffman (2012) [49] | Mindfulness-based stress reduction classes focused on the practice of a body scan, gentle and appropriate lying and standing yoga-based stretches, sitting meditation, some group discussions, didactic teaching, and home practice on topics including perceptions of and reactions to life events, stress physiology, and mindfulness in communication and everyday life. Participants were also asked to practice at home for 40-45 min for 6 or 7 days per week. | Participants in the wait-list control group continued with their lives as usual. They were offered measurement tools. | 8 weeks | Relaxation training, practice new skills in or outside the intervention, self-monitoring of skills/thoughts/etc. |
| Mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention can improve mood, QOL, and well-being in breast cancer patients. |
Kissane (2004) [50] | Six to eight participants met with two therapists in group therapy sessions. Therapy-related goals were promoting a supportive environment, reframing negative thinking, enhancing coping problem-solving, fostering hope, and setting priorities for the future. The group shared their experience of illness. Women exchanged phone numbers and met outside informally for support. | Participants in the control group received three relaxation classes, but no weekly group therapy. | 20 weeks | Relaxation training, coping (affect), coping (spiritual), practice new skills in or outside the intervention, cognitive restructuring, goal setting, problem solving |
| Cognitive–existential group therapy had effects on psychosocial outcomes, but did not prolong survival, in women with early-stage breast cancer. |
Samami (2020) [43] | Ten participants were in each group session and were provided education about breast cancer, cancer-related stress and management, and problem and emotional coping strategies. Participants discussed information about social support and coping strategies. | Participants received routine care, which included trainings related to the post-chemotherapy physical and nutritional problems. | 6 weeks | Relaxation training, coping (physical), coping (affect), coping (spiritual), practice new skills in or outside the intervention |
| Supportive programs improve coping and mitigate stress in women with breast cancer. |
Scheier (2005) [34] | Group sessions began with informational presentations followed by guided discussions of related topics. Interactions between participants were kept to a minimum. Participants were assigned to one of two intervention groups: educational or nutritional. In the educational intervention group, session topics included talking with children about cancer, managing stress and anxiety after diagnosis, relationships and intimacy, and hormones and heredity. Participants were given booklets and told of local resources for more information and support. In the nutritional intervention group, session topics included choosing healthy foods, cooking methods, and how to maintain a healthy diet while eating out. Participants also kept a food diary for four days. | Participants in the control group received standard medical care. | 4 months | Coping (affect), coping (spiritual), self-monitoring of skills/thoughts/etc., self-help materials (bibliotherapy) |
| Educational and nutritional interventions enhance adjustment among young women at the end of nonhormonal adjuvant therapy. |
Schover (2006) [37] | Participants were given a workbook with three chapters on menopause and breast cancer, sexuality and breast cancer, and cancer and your family. Participants met with a peer counselor for three sessions each focused on the workbook chapter. Peer counselors (culturally similar breast cancer survivors) were matched with the age of participants. Participants also received a resource list of books, Web sites, hotlines, and local clinics. | Participants were assigned to the three-month wait-list control group. | 3 months | Self-help materials (bibliotherapy) |
| An intervention that includes peer counselors from similar cultural background can have a positive effect on knowledge and symptoms in cancer survivors. |
Sturm (2014) [51] | The choreographer/dance trainer led ten 60 min group-based dance classes comprised of (1) warm-up, (2) isometric muscle work, followed by sessions on healthier movement patterns, (3) emphasis on moving through space, and (4) group choreography and cool down. | Assigned final twenty participants to the control group; participants were contacted twice per week, but no group activity; after the completion of control period, control participants were offered to participate in the group activity. | 5 weeks | Relaxation training, coping (physical) |
| Incorporating dance therapy during the early stages of cancer treatment helps to manage cancer-related fatigue. |
Tabrizi (2016) [44] | In unstructured supportive expressive discussion group sessions, participants discussed psychological information, e.g., fear of recurrence, stress management, coping strategies, managing physical and mental activity, setting goals, staying positive, plans for future, and medical information; encouraged participants to increase interactions and build new bonds of social support, seek sources of support, and enhance communication; learning how to cope with the feelings of isolation and reorder life priorities. | Participants in the wait-list control group received routine care, which included a brochure regarding self-care during chemotherapy. After the completion of intervention and second assessment, the control group participated in the program. | 12 weeks | Coping (affect), coping (spiritual), goal setting, cancer survivor/patient testimony |
| Supportive expressive discussion groups improve loneliness, hope, and QOL in breast cancer survivors. |
Vos (2004) [45] | In the group psychotherapy intervention group, therapists guided participants in semi-structured group discussions about various topics including the personal meaning of having breast cancer, coping with emotions, asking for social support, giving social support, and going on without going to the group. The goal was for participants to learn about how they felt about having breast cancer, its consequences, and how to express these feelings. The same topics were discussed in the social support intervention group. In this group, there was no therapist with a manual guiding the conversation. Instead, participants shared experiences of diagnosis/treatment of breast cancer and were encouraged to receive peer support and emotional encouragement. The sessions were structured where participants, at the end of each session, decided on the topic for the next week’s session. Short coffee breaks were also provided during the social support intervention. The goal of this intervention was for participants to learn to cope with problems in a practical manner. | After the completion of intervention and assessment, the control group participants were invited to join the intervention. | 12 weeks | Cancer survivor/patient testimony, problem solving |
| Group psychotherapy and social support interventions do not have many short-term benefits on psychosocial outcomes for breast cancer patients. |
Vos (2007) [46] | In the group psychotherapy intervention group, therapists guided participants in semi-structured group discussions about various topics including the personal meaning of having breast cancer, coping with emotions, asking for social support, giving social support, and going on without going to the group. The goal was for participants to learn about how they felt about having breast cancer, its consequences, and how to express these feelings. The same topics were discussed in the social support intervention group. In this group, there was no therapist with a manual guiding the conversation. Instead, participants shared experiences of diagnosis/treatment of breast cancer and were encouraged to receive peer support and emotional encouragement. The sessions were structured where participants, at the end of each session, decided on the topic for the next week session. Short coffee breaks were also provided during the social support intervention. The goal of this intervention was for participants to learn to cope with problems in a practical manner. | Therapist guided group discussion about various topics including the personal meaning of having breast cancer, coping with emotions, asking for social support, giving social support, and going on without going to the group. Participants learned about how they felt about having breast cancer, its consequences, and how to express these feelings. | 12 weeks | Cancer survivor/patient testimony, problem solving |
| Group psychotherapy and social support interventions may improve body image and recreation (a subscale of social adjustment) for breast cancer patients. |
Zhang (2017) [39] | A psychologist led a mindfulness-based stress reduction program that provided supportive interaction among the intervention group participants. The intervention consisted of four basic forms of meditation practice (body scan, walking meditation, yoga, and sitting meditation), group discussions, didactic teaching, and home practice. Participants discussed their experiences related to the intervention. | Participants in the control group received usual care. Participants were offered to participate in the intervention if they desired after the completion of the study period. | 8 weeks | Relaxation training, practice new skills in or outside the intervention |
| A mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention can reduce stress and anxiety in Chinese breast cancer patients. |
Author (Year) | Intervention(s) Description | Control Group (CG) Description | Intervention Duration | Social Cognitive Theory Component of the Intervention | Results | Implication |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chen (2019) [53] | Participants were given an educational manual based on social interaction theory that focused on survivors’ experiences with treatment, side effects, hygiene, social interaction skills, and supportive psychological care. Then, a nurse facilitated the behavior changes and health education group sessions focused on social interactions, verbal/nonverbal behaviors used for communication and interaction with others, and group discussions. A video of the course was provided for practice after the lessons. After the course ended, telephone calls were made to remind participants about the course content and the importance of behavior modification. | Participants in the control group received routine care only and were given the option to participate in the intervention after the trial completion. | 12 weeks | Coping (physical), coping (affect), practice new skills in or outside the intervention, cancer survivor testimony |
| Behavior changes and health education intervention can improve social interactions and health outcomes in head and neck cancer survivors. |
Lee (2013) [47] | Peer support partners met with participants either face-to-face or by telephone for at least 20 min. Face-to-face meetings were conducted at a coffee shop or at the patient’s home to provide a comfortable environment to chat with their peer. Intervention emphasized a supportive environment, helping to reduce emotional distress or physical discomforts, as participants discussed problems typical after surgery. The intervention provided one-on-one interaction and mutual support, sharing feelings, information, and promotion of self-confidence. | Participants in the control group received usual care only. | 6 weeks | Self-monitoring of skills/thoughts/etc., cancer survivor/patient testimony |
| Dyadic peer support intervention can increase self-efficacy among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. |
Park (2012) [48] | Participants were provided individual face-to-face education with a handbook with information on the survivors’ experience, six telephone-delivered health coaching sessions, and three small group meetings. The individual meetings focused on preventing, identifying, and resolving problems and developing coping and management strategies. Telephone sessions focused on individualized management plans. Group meetings included 5–8 women who discussed common health issues they experienced, emotional stress, burden, diet, and exercise. | Participants received standard care from their medical team. They received a short booklet with cancer information, treatment adverse effects, follow-up care, and healthy eating and were suggested to contact their healthcare team for follow-up care. At the end of the study, the control group participants were invited to participate in the intervention program. | 12 weeks | Coping (physical), coping (affect), cancer survivor/patient testimony |
| The psychoeducational support program may improve QOL and symptom experiences in breast cancer survivors. |
Ye (2016) [40] | Peer mentors (breast cancer survivors) were matched with a participant based on demographics. Educational sessions included topics such as surgical treatment, music therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and Taiichi. Educational sessions were followed by group discussions where mentors and mentees (usually in 2–3 pairs) discussed topics and mentors provided support and advice, shared personal feelings, and mentees could ask any questions. Small group discussions between mentor and mentee provided opportunities for participants to share any personal feelings that they would not feel comfortable sharing in a large group setting. Mentors called mentees at least once per week to remind them of the upcoming session and see if they had any concerns. | Participants in the control group received usual care. Participants were offered to participate in the intervention after the completion of the study. | 8 weeks | Cancer survivor/patient testimony |
| Multidiscipline mentor-based intervention may improve positive health outcomes and reduce the risk of distress associated with breast cancer. |
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Poudel, P.G.; Horan, M.R.; Brinkman, T.M.; Wang, Z.; Robison, L.L.; Hudson, M.M.; Huang, I.-C. Interventions with Social Integration Components Addressing Psychosocial Outcomes of Young- and Middle-Aged Adult Cancer Individuals: A Systematic Review. Cancers 2023, 15, 4710. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15194710
Poudel PG, Horan MR, Brinkman TM, Wang Z, Robison LL, Hudson MM, Huang I-C. Interventions with Social Integration Components Addressing Psychosocial Outcomes of Young- and Middle-Aged Adult Cancer Individuals: A Systematic Review. Cancers. 2023; 15(19):4710. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15194710
Chicago/Turabian StylePoudel, Pragya G., Madeline R. Horan, Tara M. Brinkman, Zhaoming Wang, Leslie L. Robison, Melissa M. Hudson, and I-Chan Huang. 2023. "Interventions with Social Integration Components Addressing Psychosocial Outcomes of Young- and Middle-Aged Adult Cancer Individuals: A Systematic Review" Cancers 15, no. 19: 4710. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15194710
APA StylePoudel, P. G., Horan, M. R., Brinkman, T. M., Wang, Z., Robison, L. L., Hudson, M. M., & Huang, I. -C. (2023). Interventions with Social Integration Components Addressing Psychosocial Outcomes of Young- and Middle-Aged Adult Cancer Individuals: A Systematic Review. Cancers, 15(19), 4710. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15194710