Problem Solving Therapy for Prostate Cancer Spousal Caregivers

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Problem-solving therapy programs have been shown to be effective among parents of children diagnosed with cancer. Efforts have been made to apply this same strategy to spouses/significant others of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of problem-solving therapy on the spouses of prostate cancer patients.

Detailed Description
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Problem-solving therapy programs have been shown to be effective among parents of children diagnosed with cancer. Efforts have been made to apply this same strategy to spouses/significant others of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of problem-solving therapy on the spouses of prostate cancer patients. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group which received problem-solving therapy, or to a control group which relied on their standard methods of coping (e.g. their normal therapist, family and friends). Participants completed baseline surveys regarding their distress and coping prior to randomization. They then completed these surveys again at post-intervention (approximately 2-3 months post-baseline) and 6 months post-baseline to determine lasting effects of the intervention.

Official Title
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Problem-Solving Therapy for Prostate Cancer Patient's Spousal Caregivers

Conditions
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Prostate Cancer

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Problem-Solving Therapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosed with prostate cancer within 18 months of study enrollment. The patient and significant other cohabited Couples resided in San Diego County Both patient and significant other were sufficiently proficient in English Exclusion Criteria: -

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 21 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment
Masking: Quadruple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Problem-Solving Therapy<br>A problem-solving therapy training program will be provided to the spouses/significant others of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of problem-solving therapy on the spouses of prostate cancer patients. | Behavioral: Problem-Solving Therapy<br>* Problem-solving therapy programs have been shown to be effective among parents of children diagnosed with cancer. Efforts have been made to apply this same strategy to spouses/significant others of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of problem-solving therapy on the spouses of prostate cancer patients.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Standard Supportive Care<br>Participants who are randomized to this arm will be encouraged to use whatever supporting care is recommended to them by their health provider. | Behavioral: Problem-Solving Therapy<br>* Problem-solving therapy programs have been shown to be effective among parents of children diagnosed with cancer. Efforts have been made to apply this same strategy to spouses/significant others of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of problem-solving therapy on the spouses of prostate cancer patients.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from Baseline of Effects of Stress and Coping to Follow-ups |  | From baseline to follow-ups at post-intervention (2-3 months post-baseline) and 6-months post-baseline | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Caregivers, Coping Skills