Cognitive-behavioral intervention for hot flashes.
OBJECTIVE
To pilot test the acceptability of a DVD platform to deliver a newly created cognitive-behavioral hot flash intervention and estimate the efficacy of the new intervention.


METHODS
Nonrandomized pretest, post-test design.


METHODS
Midwestern and southeastern outpatient cancer clinics serving urban and rural areas.


METHODS
40 participants from two sites completed the study.


METHODS
After completing preintervention assessments, participants watched a DVD of the intervention, practiced the intervention for one week, and then completed post-intervention assessments. Data were collected with a brief interview, questionnaires, objective hot flash monitoring, and wrist actigraphy.


METHODS
Hot flash occurrence, severity, bother, mood disturbance, affect, hot flash disruption, and sleep disturbance.


RESULTS
The DVD was a feasible and acceptable method for intervention delivery. Although participants expressed difficulty in applying the intervention in certain situations, they also described benefits that included shorter hot flash duration (not measured in this study). Paired t tests showed significant but minor decreases in worst hot flash severity, worst hot flash bother, mood, and disruption of daily activities.


CONCLUSIONS
The DVD was an acceptable way to deliver the intervention. However, the intervention will need to be improved before being tested in a larger study.


CONCLUSIONS
A cognitive-behavioral intervention may be a useful adjunct or alternative to current hot flash treatments. Findings will be used to modify the intervention and data collection methods before undertaking a larger study.
Carpenter
Janet S
JS
School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA. carpentj@iupui.edu
Neal
Jennifer G
JG
Payne
Judith
J
Kimmick
Gretchen
G
Storniolo
Anna Maria
AM
D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome