Preferences for Psychosocial Interventions Among Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients from a Multiethnic Population

This article addresses preferences for psychosocial interventions in newly diagnosed cancer patients in a multiethnic sample consisting of Americans of European, Filipino, Native Hawaiian, and Japanese ancestry. Patients who were diagnosed with cancer four to six months before the study were identified through consecutive registrations on the Hawai'i Tumor Registry. Data were collected through personal interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Among 194 patients who participated in the study, 162 (84%) reported experiencing cancer-related stress. Although few patients had participated in supportive interventions, there was considerable interest in these techniques. Most patients had received information about diagnosis and treatment, but only 10% had received information about psychological counseling. When preferences for supportive interventions were linked with demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, age, and ethnicity), the most consistent finding was higher levels of interest among Filipino patients. Additional research examining ethnic differences in preferences for psychosocial support is warranted. Because of the potential for greater use of behavioral therapies by patients, educating providers about the availability, efficacy, and patients' interest in such interventions is needed.