Psychosocial interventions to improve quality of life in Hispanic cancer survivors: a meta-analysis

Despite advancements in cancer treatment, Hispanics encounter higher risks of late-stage diagnoses, face challenges in accessing healthcare, and have unmet care needs, all of which negatively affect their quality of life (QOL). Psychosocial interventions that are culturally tailored for Hispanic contexts have shown potential in enhancing QOL, yet their overall effectiveness remains unmeasured.

This study comprised 5 meta-analyses investigating the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on various QOL outcomes (ie, physical, emotional, functional, social/family, and general well-being) among Hispanic cancer survivors. Additionally, it evaluated their effects on secondary outcomes, including cancer-related distress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, and pain intensity. Potential moderators including cultural adaptation and intervention characteristics were explored.

A search of electronic databases for English-language articles published through December 2024 identified 28 eligible studies. Random effects multilevel meta-analytic models were utilized.

Interventions did not demonstrate significant advantages over control conditions for general, functional, or social/family well-being. After accounting for publication bias and influential cases, both emotional (g = 0.170, 95% CI, 0.004-0.335) and physical well-being (g = 0.192, 95% CI, 0.063-0.321) revealed small but significant effects. No significant effects were found for secondary outcomes. Although moderator tests were not significant, subgroup analyses showed that interventions that were culturally adapted or included 6 or more sessions had significant effects compared to control conditions.

Findings supported psychosocial interventions for enhancing emotional and physical well-being in Hispanic cancer survivors. Future interventions should emphasize cultural responsiveness while addressing barriers to functional and social well-being.