Positive Activities Intervention to Improve Quality of Life in Collectivist Culture Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers

Launched by M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER · Mar 18, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring ways to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers from collectivist cultures, such as Latino, Asian American, and African American communities. The researchers are testing two positive activities: helping with household responsibilities and writing letters of gratitude. These activities aim to boost feelings of competence, autonomy, and connection among participants, which may help reduce distress and improve overall well-being during cancer treatment.

To participate in the trial, patients need to be between 35 and 70 years old, diagnosed with any type of cancer, and currently undergoing treatment like chemotherapy or radiation. They should also have a caregiver who lives with them and is willing to join the study. Both patients and caregivers must be able to read, write, and speak in English and have internet access. This study offers a chance for patients and their caregivers to engage in meaningful activities that could enhance their experience during a challenging time.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • PATIENTS: Between 35 -70 years of age
• • PATIENTS: Within 1-5 years of diagnosis and actively undergoing systemic therapy, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, endocrine and radiation therapies
• • PATIENTS: Self-identify as ethnically one of the 4 ethnic groups of focus: Asian American, African American, Latino, and European American. For collectivist cultures, will aim to recruit patients of who are first- (i.e., immigrated to United States \[US\]) or second-generation (i.e., children of US residents who immigrated to US) immigrants
• • PATIENTS: Diagnosed with any type of cancer
• • PATIENTS: Able to identify a caregiver (e.g., family member) who lives in the same household, and who consents to participate in this study
• • PATIENTS: Able to read, write, and speak in English
• • PATIENTS: Access to internet, computer or phone, and web browser
• • CAREGIVERS: Patient considers them as their caregiver
• • CAREGIVERS: Lives in the same household as patient
• • CAREGIVERS: Able to read, write, and speak in English
• • CAREGIVERS: Access to internet, computer or phone, and web browser
• • CAREGIVERS: Identifies as the same race/ethnicity group as the patient (e.g., European American wife and European American husband, or Asian American wife and Asian American husband would be pairs that are considered eligible)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • PATIENTS: Life expectancy less than 6 months in the opinion of the primary physician
• • PATIENTS: Inability to stand and walk on their own or with other physical limitations that preclude them from participating. (3+ on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group \[ECOG\] performance status)
• • PATIENTS: Major depression (e.g., as determined by a score of 10 or higher on the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale \[CES-D\] at baseline, out of 30) or diagnosed prior to study (from patient records and/or self-disclosure by patient)
• • CAREGIVERS: Unwilling or unable to participate in the study for any reason
• • CAREGIVERS: Under the age of 18