Stress management for breast and gynecologic cancer patients in Vietnam

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Self-Help Plus Stress Management Intervention Among Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Patients in Viet Nam

Not applicable Interventional Boston University · NCT06398067

This study tests a new stress management program for breast and gynecologic cancer patients in Vietnam to see if it can help them feel better emotionally compared to standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment285 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorBoston University Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Can Tho and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06398067 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the Vietnamese Self Help Plus (vSH+) stress management intervention among breast and gynecologic cancer patients in Vietnam. It is a randomized controlled trial where participants are assigned to either the vSH+ intervention or enhanced usual care. The study aims to address the psychological distress often experienced by cancer patients, which is frequently overlooked in clinical settings. Participants will receive an in-person informational session tailored to their assigned study arm, where informed consent will be obtained.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a recent diagnosis of breast or gynecologic cancer who are currently receiving treatment with curative intent.

Not a fit: Patients with severe chronic diseases or those at imminent risk of suicide may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and well-being of cancer patients in Vietnam.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar stress management interventions, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 years or older
* Have a clinician-confirmed diagnosis within the past 12 months of first-time breast and/or gynecologic cancer (e.g., cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulvar) in stages I-III
* Currently or will receive treatment with curative intent
* Score less than 8 on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Thermometer, indicating low to moderate levels of distress
* Score less than 15 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9, indicating low to moderate levels of depression

Exclusion Criteria:

* Selected '2 Several days' or '3 Almost everyday' on PHQ9 item #9, indicating indicating imminent risk of suicide
* Have severe chronic diseases (e.g., coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic renal failure), at the discretion of the treating clinician or study investigator
* People with a risk for psychosis, mania, and alcohol abuse, based on screening questions commonly used in the field
* Cannot attend the intervention activities at the hospital during the proposed intervention period

Where this trial is running

Can Tho and 5 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast CancerGynecologic CancerSelf-Help PlusStress managementViet NamWorld Health Organization
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.