ABSTRACT
Objective
Numerous psychosocial interventions have been developed to improve physical and psychological health-related outcomes among breast cancer survivors (BCS). Given the longstanding racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer, culturally adapted psychosocial interventions aim to meet the unique needs of racial and ethnic minority BCS. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of culturally adapted psychosocial interventions in improving psychological distress and quality of life for racial and ethnic minority BCS.
Methods
Search criteria included the following: studies reported psychosocial interventions with a control group, were conducted in the U.S., were culturally adapted for a racial or ethnic minority group, and included at least one of our target outcomes (distress, depression, anxiety, stress, mood disturbance, quality of life, coping, adjustment). Systematic searches were conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool was used to evaluate risk of bias.
Results
Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions were adapted for Asian/Asian American, Latina, and African American/Black female patients, the vast majority of whom were diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer. Most studies used methodology classified as “weak” and did not report significant improvements in target outcomes compared to the control group.
Conclusions
Future culturally adapted psychosocial interventions should include more diverse patient populations (e.g., race and ethnicity, gender identity) and more rigorous study designs. Review findings have important implications for future research and practice, as survivorship needs for BCS increase and notable disparities for racial and ethnic minority patients persist.
Trial registration
PROSPERO CRD42022384472