Nuevo Amanecer: results of a randomized controlled trial of a community-based, peer-delivered stress management intervention to improve quality of life in Latinas with breast cancer

Abstract

Objectives: We evaluated a community-based, translational stress management program to improve health-related quality of life in Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer.

Methods: We adapted a cognitive-behavioral stress management program integrating evidence-based and community best practices to address the needs of Latinas with breast cancer. Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer were randomly assigned to an intervention or usual-care control group. Trained peers delivered the 8-week intervention between February 2011 and February 2014. Primary outcomes were breast cancer-specific quality of life and distress, and general symptoms of distress.

Results: Of 151 participants, 95% were retained at 6 months (between May 2011 and May 2014). Improvements in quality of life from baseline to 6 months were greater for the intervention than the control group on physical well-being, emotional well-being, breast cancer concerns, and overall quality of life. Decreases from baseline to 6 months were greater for the intervention group on depression and somatization.

Conclusions: Results suggest that translation of evidence-based programs can reduce psychosocial health disparities in Latinas with breast cancer. Integration of this program into community-based organizations enhances its dissemination potential.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01383174.

Figures

FIGURE 1—

Flow of participants from screening to completion of final follow-up assessment: Nuevo Amanecer study; San Francisco Bay Area, CA; February 2011–May 2014.

FIGURE 2—

Mean differences between Nuevo Amanecer and control groups in (a) physical well-being and (b) emotional well-being: San Francisco Bay Area, CA; February 2011–May 2014.