ASPO Abstracts
A Mindfulness-based Cancer Recovery Program for African American Survivors of Lung Cancer and their Family Members (Dyads): A Feasibility Study
Category: Survivorship & Health Outcomes/Comparative Effectiveness Research, Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2018
Abstract Body:
Background: Although the five-year survival rate for individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is increasing, excessive symptom burden remains a common problem. This study aims to test an intervention,“Breathe Easier”, which encompasses meditation, sitting yoga, and breathing exercises for survivors with NSCLC (stages I-IIIa) and family members designed primarily to reduce dyspnea, fatigue, and stress. Methods:Using cancer registry data, participants were recruited from an American College of Surgeons approved cancer program in South Carolina. A close friend or family member was required for participation (dyads). Using a 2-month prospective, one-group repeated measures design, this study evaluated recruitment, retention, intervention dosage, adherence, and acceptability. Intervention dosage was measured using a written protocol. Attendance and completion of daily assignments measured adherence. Acceptability was assessed at three data collection points. Descriptive statistics characterized the participants and their responses. Results: In the first of three planned iterations, a total of 161 survivors were invited, 36 (22%) responded or were reached with 6 dyads (12 participants; 17% recruitment rate) enrolled. “Family members” were spouses, daughters, friends, and pastors. A 100% retention rate was achieved; 6 participants with 100% attendance, 3 with 89%, and 3 with 78%. Family members had slightly greater adherence (75%; range 10- 49 daily assignments) than survivors (65%; range 5-48 daily assignments). All agreed that course materials were easy to read and use, learning yoga helped them, and that involving a family member was important to them. Conclusions: Recruitment was low (17%), yet not surprising given the isolating nature of lung cancer, the uniqueness of this type of intervention, and the dyadic requirement. However, the 100% retention rate and acceptability data shows that survivors and their “family members” were engaged. These preliminary findings call for broader recruitment strategies and are limited by the one group design and sample size. The study offers insight into the feasibility related to a mindfulness-based intervention with this unique subset of survivors and family members. These results will enhance ongoing testing.
Keywords: Lung Neoplasms, MBSR, Dyad, Survivorship