A program to enhance family resilience through improved family communication for young and middle-aged breast cancer survivors and their spouses: A feasibility study

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a Family Communication-focused Family Resilience-enhancing Program (FC-FRP) for young and middle-aged breast cancer survivors and their spouses.

Methods

A pre- and post-test single-group pilot study was conducted in China. Survivors and their spouses received 5-week online courses on the topic of family resilience as well as related tasks. The feasibility of the program was assessed by calculating recruitment rates, sample attrition rates, and intervention adherence rates. Program acceptability was assessed through participant feedback post-intervention. Psychosocial variables were collected at baseline (T0), immediately post-intervention (T1), and 1 month post-intervention (T2) to evaluate the preliminary efficacy of FC-FRP.

Results

A total of 40 eligible survivor-spouse dyads were included, with a sample attrition rate of 22.5% at T1 and 35.0% at T2. The minimum completion rate for all tasks was 80.0%. Participant satisfaction with the program ranged from 82.7% to 92.3%. The intervention had a small to moderate effect size in improving family resilience and other outcomes for breast cancer survivors and spouses, validating the initial effects of the program.

Conclusions

The FC-FRP is feasible and acceptable with the promise of improving psychosocial outcomes in young and middle-aged breast cancer survivors and their spouses. A large-scale randomized controlled trial is needed to refine and validate the program further.