Intervention Development and Evaluation to Reduce Disparities in Quality of Life for Latino Families Impacted by Cancer
Cancer health disparities extend to caregivers with numerous studies demonstrating that the traumatic stress of having a child with a chronic illness is associated with poorer health. This includes more frequent illnesses, increased health care costs, and higher rates of comorbid diseases. (1) Moreover, cancer health disparities are a high priority given documented disparities in low socio-economic status and racial/ethnic minority groups. In terms of caregivers, these disparities contribute to increased stress and negative physical health. (2) Accordingly, the scientific premise of this proposal is built upon evidence demonstrating negative impacts on health, well-being, and quality of life in caregivers of children with cancer and socio-economic and ethnic disparities in cancer health outcomes that place low-income Latino caregivers at greater risk for negative effects compared to White caregivers.
Project Goal: We propose that utilizing a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach will allow us to develop a culturally relevant intervention that will decrease stress and improve the quality of life in low-income Mexican-American caregivers of children with cancer that will be sustainable and address barriers to health in underserved communities.
Project Update 2024: During the no cost extension period, the team collected data from the mini randomized control trial. 7 caregivers of the RCT were randomized to the 12-session intervention while the remaining 5 were randomized to the control group. Data analysis for all 33 subjects was completed. Additionally, Dr. Fortier submitted an R01 application to National Institutes of Health to conduct a large-scale randomized controlled trial of Corazones that was well-scored (although not funded) and recently completed a resubmission of this proposal that is under review.
