A Peer-Led, Nurse-Involved Blended Online and Offline Peer Support Program (PNO2PSP) for Psychosocial Adjustment in Young- to Middle-Aged Patients With Breast Cancer: Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Young- to middle-aged patients with breast cancer face significant psychosocial challenges. Existing interventions often lack comprehensiveness, timely initiation, and tailoring specific to this population’s unique needs. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a peer-led, nurse-involved, blended online and offline peer support intervention program (PNO2PSP) on psychosocial adjustment in young- to middle-aged patients with breast cancer. Methods: The effectiveness of PNO2PSP was evaluated through a single-center cluster randomized controlled trial involving 70 newly diagnosed young- to middle-aged patients with breast cancer (35 in each group). The intervention group received an 8-week PNO2PSP in addition to routine care. Psychosocial adjustment, self-efficacy, social support, and coping modes were assessed presurgery and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post surgery. Generalized estimating equations were used for intention-to-treat analyses. In-depth interviews with 9 participants explored their experiences. Results: Compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated significantly lower psychosocial adjustment scores at 8 weeks (T2; Wald χ21=14.96; P