Stress Management Training for Latinas Receiving Chemotherapy

Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy experience a number of aversive symptoms that are
accompanied by declines in physical and mental well-being. Although the benefits of stress
management training interventions on quality of life are well documented, there are no
published studies examining the efficacy of these interventions among Hispanic women and
Latinas (hereafter referred to as Latinas) receiving chemotherapy. This dearth of research
reflects the general lack of stress management interventions for cancer patients whose
preferred language is Spanish. Simply translating existing English-language interventions
into Spanish may seem to be a solution for the lack of Spanish-language stress management
interventions. This approach, however, does not take into account cultural values, beliefs
and situational realities that are likely to contribute to patients' uptake of health
promoting behaviors. The proposed research seeks to address this gap by evaluating a stress
management training intervention developed specifically for Latinas beginning chemotherapy
for cancer.

In response to the identified need, the investigators created a Spanish-Language
Self-Administered Stress Management Training (SL-SAT) intervention "Cómo tratar el estrés
durante la quimioterapia" ("How to manage stress during chemotherapy"). The intervention is
based on an English-language self-administered stress management training intervention the
investigators previously developed and showed to be efficacious in a randomized controlled
trial. Development of the Spanish-language intervention was the result of extensive use of
ethnographic and learner verification methods, guided by a community-based participatory
research approach. Similar to the English-language version, the SL-SAT intervention consists
of a digital video disc(DVD), booklet, and audio compact disc (CD), and provides instruction
in three well-established stress management techniques: deep breathing; progressive muscle
relaxation and guided imagery; and use of coping self-statements. The proposed study will
evaluate the efficacy of this transcreated intervention in a randomized controlled trial
involving Spanish-speaking Latinas about to begin chemotherapy for cancer. Following a
baseline assessment, participants will receive usual care or usual care plus the SL-SAT
intervention. Participants will be reassessed on study measures approximately 7 and 13 weeks
after the baseline assessment.