Feasibility of implementing a culturally and linguistically adapted telephone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for depression and anxiety with Hispanic and Latino cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: Hispanic and Latino (hereafter 'H/L') cancer survivors report higher rates of anxiety/depression and are less likely to receive psychosocial services than other survivors. We field-tested a culturally and linguistically adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention with H/L post-treatment cancer survivors. Goals were to: (1) assess feasibility; (2) describe future efficacy outcomes; and (3) examine feedback for refinements.

Design/research approach: Single-arm feasibility study.

Sample/participants: H/L cancer survivors (N = 8).

Methods: Participants completed the 12-week CBT intervention, pre- and post-intervention measures, brief weekly feedback, and an in-depth interview. Recruitment, retention, and adherence, and changes in anxiety, depression, and fear of recurrence were summarized using descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals.

Findings: Of 44 H/L survivors approached, 18 agreed to screening, and 9 met criteria; 8 enrolled over 7.4 months. Although we did not perform formal hypothesis testing, we observed clinically meaningful decreases in anxiety and depression. All who completed the intervention (n = 7) recommended the intervention.

Conclusion: While recruitment was challenging, participants reported robust decreases in depression and/or anxiety and high intervention satisfaction.

Implications for psychosocial providers or policy: Future work should explore ways to decrease stigma and enhance recruitment to fully evaluate the adapted intervention among H/L survivors.

Keywords: Anxiety; Hispanic; Latino; Latinx; cancer survivorship; cognitive behavioral therapy; depression; psychotherapy; survivorship.