Purpose: Young adult oncology has gained momentum in recognizing the unique medical and psychosocial needs of the population of adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAC). However, many of their psychosocial needs remain unmet and we are yet to identify how clinical or research programs can be tailored to meet these needs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a cognitive-behavioral intervention adapted to meet the psychosocial needs and issues of AYAC and delivered either through Skype or face-to-face sessions against a control condition.
Methods: A total of 113 AYAC aged between 18 and 39 years were randomly assigned to a brief three-session intervention or control/care-as-usual group. They were then assessed at three time points of baseline (time 1), post (time 2), and 3-month postintervention (time 3) using self-report questionnaires targeting overall outcomes of mood/emotional well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and specific outcomes of illness-related self-efficacy and family/social and sexual relationship well-being.
Results: Significant between-group differences were obtained from time 1 to time 2 on outcomes of social/family and sexual relationship well-being, whereas groups did not differ from time 2 to time 3. Within-group results from time 1 to time 2 showed significant improvements in sexual esteem for both groups, whereas only AYAC of the intervention group significantly improved on outcomes of anxiety, overall mood/emotional well-being and HRQOL. In addition, improvements in self-efficacy were obtained only for the intervention group from time 2 to time 3.
Conclusion: When compared with a control/care-as-usual condition, the intervention had a positive impact on psychological and relationship well-being. Results suggested that the intervention was beneficial and clinically relevant to the population of AYAC.
Keywords: couples; family; intervention; quality of life; sexuality; social.