Conference Abstracts - Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD26)
Vol. 6, Issue Supplement 1, 2026 · S1-5
Impact of Structured Psychosocial Intervention on Distress in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial from India
Dr Nihanthy Sreenath, MBBS,DMRT,DNB,DrNB,ECMO,Fellowship BMT & CART-MSKCC,NY,Mahadev P, MBBS,DMRT,MD,PhD
Submission received: 2025-12-10 / Accepted: 2026-01-07 / Published: 2026-01-26
Abstract
Introduction
Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients often experience substantial psychosocial distress during cancer treatment. In our preceding cross-sectional study of 500 AYA patients, 55% reported moderate to severe distress (DT ≥ 4), with higher distress among females, those with lower education, advanced disease, and poor self-reported health. These findings highlighted significant unmet needs and informed the development of a structured psychosocial intervention. This randomized trial evaluates its impact on distress reduction.
Methods
This single-center, prospective randomized controlled trial enrolled 100 AYA patients (15–39 years) receiving active treatment. Participants were randomized 1:1 into:
• Group A (Control): Standard oncology care
• Group B (Intervention): Four weekly structured counselling sessions focused on psychoeducation, coping skills, communication, peer support, and distress-specific strategies.
Distress was measured at baseline and 4 weeks using the NCCN Distress Thermometer (DT), Problem Checklist, and self-rated quality-of-life indicators. Statistical analyses included paired and independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression.
Results
Baseline patterns were consistent with earlier findings: 55% had DT ≥ 4, with higher distress in females, patients receiving palliative-intent therapy, and those with lower educational attainment. Distress levels remained unchanged in the control group. In contrast, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in mean DT scores from 6.1 to 2.9 (p < 0.001). Improvements were most notable in emotional concerns (anxiety, sadness), social/practical challenges (financial strain, work disruption), and perceived overall well-being.
Conclusions
AYA cancer patients carry a high burden of distress, underscoring the need for systematic psychosocial support. This study demonstrates that a structured psychosocial intervention significantly reduces distress compared with standard care. Despite limitations of sample size and short follow-up, these findings support routine distress screening and integration of tailored psychosocial services in AYA oncology. Larger trials are warranted to assess long-term impact.