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Intervention Format and Delivery Preferences Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors

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Abstract

Background

Young adult cancer survivors face a number of increased medical and psychosocial risks, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and emotional distress. Although behavioral strategies, such as exercise, may diminish some of these risks, few behavioral interventions have been developed for this population.

Purpose

As a first step toward developing interventions specifically for young survivors, we conducted a qualitative study of their intervention-related preferences. A key objective was to identify the preferred format for delivering interventions (e.g., face-to-face, online).

Method

In-depth, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 20 young adult cancer survivors between the ages of 18 and 39. This research was conducted in Rhode Island, USA.

Results

Participants identified advantages and disadvantages to a variety of intervention formats including: telephone-based, print-based, computer-based, and several types of face-to-face interventions. The dominant theme that emerged was that interventions developed for young adult cancer survivors should take into account their multiple competing needs and obligations (e.g., work, family). Two closely related subthemes were: (1) the importance of developing interventions that are convenient and (2) the need for interventions that provide social support. Interventions for this population may be most successful if they take into account these themes.

Conclusion

Data indicate that young adult cancer survivors have some unique needs (e.g., multiple competing demands of young adulthood) and preferences (e.g., comfort with remotely delivered interventions) that differentiate them from older cancer survivors. Thus, young survivors would be best served by interventions designed to specifically target this population.

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Acknowledgments

Funds for this research were provided by the Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine at Miriam Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, RI, USA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, Miriam Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

    Carolyn Rabin, Kathleen Morrow & Bernardine Pinto

  2. Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA

    Norah Simpson

  3. Coro Building West, Suite 314, 1 Hoppin Street, Providence, RI, 02903, USA

    Carolyn Rabin

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  1. Carolyn Rabin
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  2. Norah Simpson
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  4. Bernardine Pinto
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Correspondence to Carolyn Rabin.

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Rabin, C., Simpson, N., Morrow, K. et al. Intervention Format and Delivery Preferences Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors. Int.J. Behav. Med. 20, 304–310 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-012-9227-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-012-9227-4

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