Menstuff® has compiled the following on the positive benefits
of one-on-one support for prostate cancer survivors.
One-on-one support helps prostate cancer survivors
"Urinary and sexual dysfunctions are side effects of radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PC) that contribute to depression. Despite the effectiveness of support groups at reducing depression in cancer patients, men typically do not participate in them," researchers in the United States report.
"The purpose of this pilot study was to test the effects of a dyadic intervention (one-to-one support) on social support (Modified Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors), self-efficacy (Stanford Inventory of Cancer Patient Adjustment), and depression (Geriatric Depression Scale)," wrote B.A. Weber and colleagues, University of Florida, College of Nursing.
"Subjects were randomized to group. Controls (n=15; M-age = 59.7) received usual care. Experimentals were paired with long-term survivors (LTS) who had RP and who had treatment side effects in common. Experimentals (n=15; M-age = 57.5) met with a LTS 8 times in 8 weeks to discuss concerns associated with survivorship," the researchers wrote.
"No significant differences were detected on social support, but after 4 weeks, significant differences were present on depression between controls and experimentals, however these differences were not seen at 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, there were also significant differences on self-efficacy between controls and experimentals," the researchers wrote.
"Weekly anecdotal data supported the feasibility and acceptance of the intervention that was a low cost strategy effective at reducing depression and increasing self-efficacy in men treated by RP. Future research directions and clinical application is presented," the researchers concluded.
Source: B. A. Weber and colleagues published their study in Psychooncology (The effect of dyadic intervention on self-efficacy, social support, and depression for men with prostate cancer. Psychooncol, 2004;13(1):47-60). For additional information, contact B.A. Weber, University of Florida, College of Nursing, Core Faculty, Department of Adult & Elderly Nursing, Institute of Aging, POB 100197, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. Publisher contact information for the journal Psychooncology is: John Wiley & Sons Ltd., the Atrium, Southern Gate, Chichester PO19 8SQ, W Sussex, UK. The information in this article comes under the major subject areas of Urology and Oncology.
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