African Americans have a strong cultural history of relying on hymns to overcome oppression and mental suffering encountered in their lived experience. This study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention using hymns in reducing psychological distress among African Americans during treatment for cancer. Study participants will take part in 4 data collection sessions and also asked to view and provide feedback on audio- or video recorded vignettes of African Americans use of hymns to reduce psychological distress during the diagnosis and treatment for cancer. The findings from this preliminary study will contribute to the body of research about incorporating spirituality in cancer care to achieving optimal patient outcomes.~This feasibility study uses a randomized control design and qualitative methods to: 1) determine feasibility and acceptability, and 2) estimate effect sizes for outcomes of psychological distress, spiritual well-being, patient-physician communication, supportive family relationships, and quality of life. African American patients with late stage cancer and their FCGs will be randomized to receive the Overcoming Psychological Distress through Hymns Intervention or usual care for 3 weeks. At the end of the intervention period, the usual care study arm usual will receive the 3 week intervention. Participants will have 4 study visits where they will complete questionnaires and take part in open-ended, semi-structured interviews and structured interviews. Questions asked will focus on demographic characteristics of the sample such as age, education, whether residence is urban or rural, religious affiliation, marital status, proximity to family, type cancer, date of diagnosis, date of treatment. Structured interview questions will include measures of psychological distress, spiritual well-being, relationship well-being, patient-physician communication, and quality of life. Open ended interviews will focus on usefulness and satisfaction with the video and audio recordings. Open ended interviews will be audio-recorded. Participants will be in the study for 12 weeks to complete all follow up visits.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention designed to reduce psychological distress among African Americans during treatment for cancer. This knowledge will inform a larger test of an intervention tailored to decrease the psychological distress experienced among African Americans diagnosed with late-stage cancers. Study participants will take part in 4 data collection sessions and also asked to view and provide feedback on audio- or video recorded vignettes of African Americans use of hymns to reduce psychological distress during the diagnosis and treatment for cancer. Participants will also be asked to complete interviews at the 4 time periods which will include open-ended, semi-structured interviews, and structured interview questions. This study addresses the need to understand the ways in which narrated messages of hope through hymns and African American religious song in particular, reduce psychological distress.