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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2011 Nov 1;117(21):4983-92.
doi: 10.1002/cncr.26139. Epub 2011 Apr 14.

Sisters Peer Counseling in Reproductive Issues After Treatment (SPIRIT): a peer counseling program to improve reproductive health among African American breast cancer survivors

Leslie R Schover  1 , Michelle M Rhodes, George Baum, Jennifer Harned Adams, Rosell Jenkins, Pamela Lewis, Karen Eubanks Jackson
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Sisters Peer Counseling in Reproductive Issues After Treatment (SPIRIT): a peer counseling program to improve reproductive health among African American breast cancer survivors

Leslie R Schover et al. Cancer. .

Abstract

Background: African American breast cancer survivors may be at high risk for reproductive health problems, including menopause symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and distress about cancer-related infertility. The authors partnered with Sisters Network Inc. to create the Sisters Peer Counseling in Reproductive Issues After Treatment (SPIRIT) program, a culturally sensitive intervention program that combined a written workbook and peer counseling.

Methods: Three hundred women were randomized to receive either the workbook plus 3 in-person sessions with a trained peer counselor or the workbook plus ≤ 30 minutes of telephone counseling to be initiated by the participant. Questionnaires at baseline, post-treatment, and at 6-month and 12-month follow-up assessed emotional distress, sexual function, relationship satisfaction, spirituality, menopause symptoms, and knowledge. Satisfaction with the program and the use of medical care also were assessed.

Results: Both groups of women improved significantly in knowledge, decreased in distress, and had decreased hot flashes. Sexually active women had improved sexual function at 6-month follow-up but not at 1 year. However, peer counseling had little incremental benefit over the telephone counseling.

Conclusions: The SPIRIT program was rated very useful by 66% of women. Outcomes justify continued use of the workbook and further research to optimize the impact of peer counseling.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mean BSI Depression Subscale Raw Scores (Time × Treatment Group)
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