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ONLINE SPANISH PAIN COPING SKILLS TRAINING FOR PATIENTS WITH CANCER PAIN: A PILOT TRIAL

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic/Latine populations in the United States. Spanish-speaking patients routinely experience disparities in cancer-realted care, particularly pain management. Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, Hispanic/Latine patients report greater levels of pain and have lower access to suitable treatments, which may contribute to medication misuse, mental health challenges, and diminished quality of life. Anxiety and depression are known to negatively impact patient prognoses and pain outcomes, and Hispanic/Latine patients may be at greater risk for anxiety and depression due to the many barriers that they face in accessing evidence-based Spanish-language cancer care. Language barriers are a key challenge limiting compliance with cancer and pain treatments: there is a need for affordable, accessible and culturally- and linguistically appropriate cancer-pain interventions. METHODS: In collaboration with Hispanic/Latine community groups, advisory boards, advocates, and bilingual health experts, we followed a community-engaged and culturally-informed process to adapt a validated online pain coping skills training (PCST) intervention (painTRAINER) for Spanish speakers. The resultant program (painTRAINER en Español) includes 8 weekly PCST modules (45 minutes each) led by a virtual coach who guides patients as they develop, practice, and master pain coping skills. The purpose of this study is to pilot test painTRAINER en Español among n=40 Hispanic/Latine cancer survivors (including those with active but stable cancer) who have persistent cancer-related pain. Primary outcomes will be collected pre- and post-intervention and include feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy for the management of pain severity and pain interference. Anxiety and depression will be assessed to determine their influence on pain coping and change in pain outcomes, and qualitative interviews will be conducted to better capture patient perceptions and experiences. ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We hypothesize that the program will be feasible and acceptable to Spanish speakers and will demonstrate preliminary efficacy to support its use in the management of pain. To date, 27 participants have enrolled. 75% of participants are breast cancer survivors and 100% are native Spanish speakers. Completion of primary outcome data is anticipated by December 1, 2023.

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