Randomized trial of a community-based, culturally tailored intervention: High engagement among Latina breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND

A preliminary randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of a culturally tailored, group-based intervention for Latina breast cancer survivors (BCSs) and their caregivers on survivors' quality of life (QOL) compared to usual care services provided by community-based organizations.

METHODS

This study randomized 136 Latina BCSs and 136 caregivers in Washington, DC; New York, New York; and San Jose, California to an eight-session culturally tailored coping and communication intervention (n = 70 dyads) or usual care support services via community-based organizations (n = 66 dyads). QOL domains (anxiety, depression, fatigue, physical functioning, and social functioning) were measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 6 months post-intervention.

RESULTS

Among the 70 dyads in the intervention, 71.4% (n = 50) attended five or more of the eight sessions, which demonstrated high engagement; 82% of participants were retained at 6 months. Results indicated clinically significant improvements in Latina BCSs' reports of anxiety and fatigue at 6 months postintervention compared to BCSs in usual care; however, after adjustment for multiple comparisons, results were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

A culturally tailored, group-based intervention for Latina BCSs and their caregivers led to clinically relevant but not statistically significant improvements in survivors' anxiety and fatigue compared to usual services provided by community-based organizations. Interventions conducted in partnership with community-based organizations yield high engagement and retention; these types of collaborative approaches to psychosocial services have the potential to positively affect Latina BCSs' QOL.