Psycho Educational Group Intervention for Women at Increased Risk for Breast Cancer
Abstract
A randomized controlled trial of a psychoeducational group intervention was conducted. The specific aims were to examine the impact of the intervention on knowledge of breast cancer and risk factors, breast cancer beliefs, breast cancer anxiety, coping skills, quality of life and adherence to screening. The intervention components included social support enhancement, education, cognitive restructuring, and problem solving. Group sessions (5 to 10 women in each group) met for one and half-hours each of six weeks, with six-month and one year booster sessions. Interviews were conducted prior to randomization (Time 1), at the end of the six-week intervention (Time 2), at six months (Time 3) and one year (Time 4). 247 healthy, asymptomatic women at high risk for breast cancer (control condition N=l08); treatment condition N-139) participated in the study. The mean age is 43, primarily white (90%), with 39% having a college education. At baseline, 73% of women overestimated their risk, 17% accurately estimated their risk and 10% underestimated their risk for developing breast cancer. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) found a significant reduction in breast cancer specific anxiety within the treatment condition from Time 1 to Time 4 (p<.02), and a decrease in perception of risk (p <.01). Women in the treatment condition significantly improved their knowledge of breast cancer (p <.02) and risk factors for breast cancer at Time 4 (p <.002). ANOVA found that women in the treatment condition used more active coping and less behavioral disengagement than women in the control condition (p <.04). A logistic regression analyses found that women in the treatment condition adhered to age appropriate mammogram recommendations at Time 4 (p <.01) more than women in the control condition. These findings suggest that the intervention helps to decrease anxiety, increase knowledge, improve coping strategies, and improve adherence to mammography.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADB274369
Entities
People
- Kathryn M. Kash