title: Design, development, and feasibility of a spanish-language cancer survivor support group.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Latino cancer survivors experience lower psychosocial well-being compared to non-Latino Whites. This study describes the development of a culturally appropriate support group and reports on feasibility of implementation and preliminary outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Promotores (lay health workers) conducted all aspects of data collection and program implementation. Participants were 29 Spanish-speaking Latino cancer survivors (n = 12 men, 17 women) who took part in one of three study phases. Phase 1 included one-on-one interviews and focus groups (n = 14) to investigate psychosocial needs of survivors. During phase 2, a 10-week program was developed that integrated data from phase 1 and culturally relevant concepts. Session topics included stress, nutrition, physical activity, body image, sexuality, medical advocacy, and social support. In phase 3, the program was implemented within gender-specific groups (n = 15). Within-group pre-post comparisons of distress (distress thermometer, salivary cortisol) and quality of life (FACIT) were conducted. Follow-up focus groups assessed participant experience
  
  
  RESULTS
  Phase 1 activities identified survivor needs and interests (e.g., isolation, family and spirituality, supporting other Latinos with cancer). Evidence of program feasibility was demonstrated (e.g., 90-100% attendance, 100% data completion). While interpretation of significance is limited due to sample size, improvements in quality of life [functional (p = 0.05), social (p = 0.02), and meaning/purpose (p = 0.05)] were observed among women but not men. Qualitative follow-up revealed high satisfaction with group participation, but discomfort with the topic of sexuality in women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This project demonstrates development and feasibility outcomes for providing culturally appropriate psychosocial support to Latino cancer survivors. Limitations, including lack of control group, and future directions are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Division of Public Health Sciences, 1100 Fairview Ave. N, M3-B232, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA, rceballo@fhcrc.org.
authors.forename: Rachel M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Ceballos
authors.forename: Yamile
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Molina
authors.forename: Rachel C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Malen
authors.forename: Genoveva
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ibarra
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Escareño
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Marchello
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006296:Health Services; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology