Budget Amount *help |
¥2,700,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,700,000)
Fiscal Year 1999: ¥1,200,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,200,000)
Fiscal Year 1998: ¥1,500,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,500,000)
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Research Abstract |
This study investigated an effectiveness of a structured group intervention for breast cancer patients in Japan. First, the investigator developed a structured group intervention program, which is a series of five 90-minute sessions including psycho-education, problem-solving, psychological support, relaxation training, and guided imagery. Breast cancer patients were asked to participate in this structured group intervention program. In result, 47 patients participated in 5 sessions and completed the POES at the periods of pre- and post-intervention. Since chemotherapy caused severe distress, 7 patients who received chemotherapy during the sessions were excluded. The scores of the remaining 40 patients were analyzed, which revealed highly significant differences in the scores of Depression, Lack-of-vigor, Fatigue, Confusion (p<0.05), and Tension-Anxiety and Total Mood Disturbances (p<0.01). Also, Natural Killer Cell Activities were examined among 32 patients who did not receive chemotherapy nor radiotherapy, which revealed no significant difference. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the short-term effectiveness in improving psychological distress but not immune function. Several reasons are suggested such as fewer number of the subjects and earlier beginning of the intervention, however, some modifications should be considered.
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