Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Cancer
Date Submitted: Apr 26, 2024
Open Peer Review Period: Apr 26, 2024 - Jun 21, 2024
Date Accepted: May 28, 2025
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Development of a Tailored mHealth Alcohol Reduction Intervention for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Identifying Adaptations Through Key Informant Interviews
ABSTRACT
Background:
Adolescent and young adult survivors of cancer (AYAs, aged 15-39) frequently engage in hazardous alcohol use, which can have multiple mental and physical health effects.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to adapt and refine an existing motivational interviewing-based mHealth alcohol reduction intervention, called Tracking and Reducing Alcohol Consumption (TRAC), for post-treatment AYAs.
Methods:
This was a two-phase, mixed methods study consisting of key informant interviews with post-treatment AYAs aged 18-39, oncology and psycho-oncology providers, and community advocates (n=15) to inform the adaptation of TRAC. After qualitative analysis of interview findings led to the development of the new TRAC-AYA intervention, 4 AYAs completed an open trial of the 4-week intervention and provided feedback on content and protocols through a qualitative exit interview. Descriptive statistics were used to provide data on intervention feasibility and adherence.
Results:
Key informant interviews revealed a need for the intervention to address cancer-specific alcohol use triggers such as scan-related anxiety, financial toxicity, and reproductive health concerns. TRAC-AYA was well-received by open trial participants—enrollment and retention were above target rates (67% and 75%, respectively) and 100% of participants completed at least 3/4 intervention sessions. Participants reported high satisfaction with TRAC-AYA content and its impact on their drinking.
Conclusions:
Post-treatment AYAs have unique triggers for alcohol use, which should be considered in the development of alcohol reduction interventions for this population. TRAC-AYA represents a potentially valuable tool in addressing high rates of hazardous alcohol use among this population and warrants further evaluation in larger randomized trials. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05087875
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