Peer2Me - impact of peer support on self-efficacy in young adult cancer survivors (YA-CS): findings from a comprehensive cohort design.
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BACKGROUND: Numerous studies suggest that young adult cancer survivors (YA-CS) experience unmet needs regarding informational exchange about their disease and emotional support from peers. Currently, there is a lack of evaluated peer support interventions in Germany. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of "Peer2Me", a three-month one-to-one peer mentoring program, designed to improve self-efficacy among YA-CS. METHODS: This study conducted a bi-center comprehensive cohort design and enrolled YA-CS (18-39 years old) undergoing acute treatment in Leipzig and Hamburg (Germany) across all tumour entities diagnosed within the last six months. YA-CS were allocated by preference to the intervention (IG, receiving peer mentoring) and comparison group (CG, care as usual). Following mentor training, tandems were matched by diagnosis, age, and gender. YA-CS completed questionnaires at baseline (t1), post-intervention (3 months later, t2) and three months post-intervention (t3). The primary outcome was self-efficacy measured with the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and the Cancer Behaviour Inventory (CBI-B). Statistical analyses included mixed-design ANOVA and ANCOVA, controlling for baseline scores. RESULTS: Out of 274 eligible YA-CS, a total of 106 YA-CS (IG: n = 77, CG: n = 29) completed the study. Two-thirds of YA-CS (66.7%) expressed a clear preference to be allocated to the IG. Baseline differences in coping behaviors were noted, with the IG demonstrating lower scores, suggesting a higher need for support. The ANCOVA revealed no group effects for the change of mean GSES scores from t1 to t2 (p =.897) or from t1 to t3 (p =.779). Also, no significant differences in the improvement of mean CBI-B scores between groups could be found from t1 to t2 (p =.903) or from t1 to t3 (p =.995). CONCLUSIONS: The "Peer2Me" program did not demonstrate a significant effect on improving self-efficacy among YA-CS during acute treatment. Although interest in peer mentoring was high, the intervention showed no measurable benefit in comparison with standard care. While the need for support was evident, further research is required to optimize peer interventions for this group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered on February 4, 2022 at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05336318).