TY - JOUR
T1 - Online cognitive-behavioral group intervention for young adult survivors of childhood cancer
T2 - a pilot study
AU - van Erp, Loes M.E.
AU - Maurice-Stam, Heleen
AU - Beek, Laura R.
AU - Kremer, Leontien C.M.
AU - den Hartogh, Jaap G.
AU - van Gorp, Marloes
AU - Huizinga, Gea A.
AU - Grootenhuis, Martha A.
N1 - Funding Information:
The authors thank all participating childhood cancer survivors for their contributions to the study and thank the KiKa foundation for funding the study. We thank the health care providers and the survivor representatives from the Dutch parent and survivor association for their contribution to the development of Op Koers Online for YACCS.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - Background: Young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCS) are a vulnerable group in need of psychosocial support, but tailored interventions are lacking. Aim: To examine feasibility and satisfaction, and to explore preliminary effectiveness of an online group intervention (Op Koers Online for YACCS) aimed at teaching active coping skills and providing peer-contact, thereby reducing and preventing psychosocial problems in YACCS. The intervention is based on psycho-education, cognitive behavioral therapy, and aspects of acceptance and commitment therapy. Methods: YACCS completed questionnaires pre- and post-intervention. Feasibility was based on attendance, drop-out, and an evaluation questionnaire was administered to assess satisfaction. Preliminary effectiveness was evaluated with the Mastery Scale, Illness Cognition Questionnaire, Distress Thermometer, Impact of Cancer - Childhood Survivors, and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Preliminary effectiveness was investigated by testing differences on the psychosocial outcomes (coping and psychosocial wellbeing) between T0 and T1 within respondents, using paired samples t tests and Cohen’s d. Results: 10 YACCS participated in the intervention and completed all questionnaires. There was no drop-out; 90% of participants attended five out of six sessions. Overall, participants were satisfied with the intervention; 7.6 on a 0-10 scale. Distress (Cohen’s d=-.6, p=.030) and feelings of helplessness (Cohen’s d=-.8, p=.001) reduced from T0 to T1, while self-efficacy (Cohen’s d=.8, p=.013,) improved. Other outcomes displayed small effects, but did not change significantly. Conclusions: This first, small pilot study showed short-term decrease in distress and feelings of helplessness and improvement of self-efficacy. Op Koers Online was positively evaluated by YACCS and course leaders, filling a gap in psychosocial services for YACCS.
AB - Background: Young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCS) are a vulnerable group in need of psychosocial support, but tailored interventions are lacking. Aim: To examine feasibility and satisfaction, and to explore preliminary effectiveness of an online group intervention (Op Koers Online for YACCS) aimed at teaching active coping skills and providing peer-contact, thereby reducing and preventing psychosocial problems in YACCS. The intervention is based on psycho-education, cognitive behavioral therapy, and aspects of acceptance and commitment therapy. Methods: YACCS completed questionnaires pre- and post-intervention. Feasibility was based on attendance, drop-out, and an evaluation questionnaire was administered to assess satisfaction. Preliminary effectiveness was evaluated with the Mastery Scale, Illness Cognition Questionnaire, Distress Thermometer, Impact of Cancer - Childhood Survivors, and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Preliminary effectiveness was investigated by testing differences on the psychosocial outcomes (coping and psychosocial wellbeing) between T0 and T1 within respondents, using paired samples t tests and Cohen’s d. Results: 10 YACCS participated in the intervention and completed all questionnaires. There was no drop-out; 90% of participants attended five out of six sessions. Overall, participants were satisfied with the intervention; 7.6 on a 0-10 scale. Distress (Cohen’s d=-.6, p=.030) and feelings of helplessness (Cohen’s d=-.8, p=.001) reduced from T0 to T1, while self-efficacy (Cohen’s d=.8, p=.013,) improved. Other outcomes displayed small effects, but did not change significantly. Conclusions: This first, small pilot study showed short-term decrease in distress and feelings of helplessness and improvement of self-efficacy. Op Koers Online was positively evaluated by YACCS and course leaders, filling a gap in psychosocial services for YACCS.
KW - online cognitive-behavioral group intervention
KW - young adults survivors of childhood cancer
U2 - 10.1080/07347332.2022.2150110
DO - 10.1080/07347332.2022.2150110
M3 - Article
C2 - 36537338
AN - SCOPUS:85144487279
SN - 0734-7332
VL - 41
SP - 518
EP - 538
JO - Journal of psychosocial oncology
JF - Journal of psychosocial oncology
IS - 5
ER -