Randomized trial of peer counseling on reproductive health in African American XXXX survivors.

@entity1 @entity249 @entity0 @entity5 @entity147 @entity250
PURPOSE: We designed a peer counseling program to improve sexual function, increase knowledge about reproductive health, and decrease menopausal symptoms and @entity249 -related distress for African American @entity0 survivors. @entity1 AND METHODS: @entity1 were randomly assigned to immediate counseling or a 3-month waitlist. Three peer counselors conducted a 3-session intervention using a detailed workbook. Questionnaires at baseline, after the waitlist period, at posttreatment, and at 3-month follow-up assessed spirituality, sexual function, menopause symptoms, @entity147 , relationship satisfaction, fertility concerns, and knowledge about reproductive health and @entity0 . At the postcounseling assessment, @entity1 rated the workbook, their counselor, and the program. RESULTS: Of 93 @entity1 screened, 60 @entity1 (65%) enrolled in the study. @entity1 who completed counseling (80%; N = 48) had a mean age of 49 years (standard deviation [SD], 8 years) and a mean follow-up of 4.5 years (SD, 3.8 years) since @entity5 diagnosis. Almost all rated the workbook as very easy to understand (94%) and their counselor as very knowledgeable (96%) and very skillful (98%). Eighty-one percent rated the program as "very useful to me." Immediate counseling and waitlist groups did not differ at baseline in psychologic adjustment, nor did scores change during the waitlist period. Therefore, the groups were combined in analyzing outcomes. Knowledge of reproductive issues improved significantly from baseline to 3-month follow-up (P < .0001), as did @entity147 (P = .0047) and menopause symptoms (P = .0128). @entity250 @entity1 became less distressed (P = .0167). CONCLUSION: @entity1 valued the Sisters Peer Intervention in Reproductive Issues After Treatment program highly and found it relevant. The program had positive effects on knowledge and target symptoms.
