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Enhancing physical well-being and overall quality of life among underserved Latina-American cervical cancer survivors: feasibility study

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Abstract

Introduction

Evidence for the effectiveness of behavioral interventions are lacking for cervical cancer survivors (CCS). Disparities in survivorship outcomes exist for CCS, especially Latina-Americans. This study assessed the feasibility of implementing a culturally sensitive intervention delivered in a telephonic format.

Methods

A convenience sample of 23 Latina-Americans diagnosed with stages 1–3 invasive cervical cancer who were 1–3 years post diagnosis and disease free participated. A random assignment, pre- and post-test design was used with 15 intervention and 8 control participants. Intervention group participants completed 6 sessions that included problem-focused, telephone counseling. The areas covered included family and partner concerns and communication; relaxation and stress management; psychological, medical and treatment concerns; and self-nurturing activities. Outcomes were measured by the FACT-G QOL scale.

Results

Increases in physical well-being and overall QOL were observed for the intervention group only (p < 0.05). The intervention group showed a non significant trend towards improvements in family/social, emotional and functional well-being from pre- to post-test.

Discussion

Results demonstrate the feasibility of implementing a culturally responsive, telephonic behavioral intervention. The intervention was associated with an improvement in physical and overall quality of life. A randomized controlled trial with a long term follow-up is warranted.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

An ethnically sensitive, behaviorally based telephone counseling approach with Latina Americans cervical cancer survivors can achieve short term improvements in physical well-being and overall QOL.

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Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Judy Tejero and Dr. Dianne E. Bohorquez for their contributions to the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Community Alliance for Research and Education (CCARE), Division of Population Sciences, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, 91010-3000, USA

    Kimlin T. Ashing-Giwa

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Kimlin T. Ashing-Giwa

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Correspondence to Kimlin T. Ashing-Giwa.

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Funding sources: Research supported by a grant from the California Cancer Research Program (#2110008).

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Ashing-Giwa, K.T. Enhancing physical well-being and overall quality of life among underserved Latina-American cervical cancer survivors: feasibility study. J Cancer Surviv 2, 215–223 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-008-0061-2

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