Browsing by Author "Torres, Ana"
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- CanCOG®: cultural adaptation of the evidence-based UCLA cognitive rehabilitation intervention program for cancer survivors in PortugalPublication . Oliveira, Ana F.; Sosa-Napolskij, Milaydis; Torres, Ana; Queiroz, Diâner Felipe; Bártolo, Ana; Sousa, Helena; Monteiro, Sara; Van Dyk, Kathleen; Ercoli, Linda M.; Santos, Isabel M.Cognitive difficulties are highly prevalent and negatively impact cancer survivors' quality of life. The UCLA Cognitive Rehabilitation Intervention Program (in short, UCLA program) is an evidence-based intervention developed and tested in the US to address the cognitive complaints of cancer survivors. Since there are no cognitive rehabilitation programs available for Portuguese cancer-related settings, this study aimed to culturally adapt the UCLA program to Portugal. Nine steps were implemented for this cultural adaptation: needs assessment, initial contacts, translation, cultural adaptation, independent review by a panel of experts (n = 6), focus group discussions with cancer survivors (n = 11), systematization of inputs and improvement of the final materials, fidelity check, and preliminary acceptability assessment. The findings suggested that changes to the original materials were needed. A Portuguese name, "CanCOG®-Reabilitação Cognitiva no Cancro" (in English "CanCOG®-Cognitive Rehabilitation in Cancer"), and a logo were created to make it more memorable and appealing for the Portuguese population. The language was adjusted to ensure content accessibility and semantic and conceptual equivalence. Finally, references to several cultural aspects, such as habits, customs, and traditions, were adapted to fit the new cultural context. The UCLA program may be a promising tool to help alleviate the cognitive difficulties reported by cancer survivors in different cultural contexts. Future research is needed to confirm the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of its Portuguese version, "CanCOG®-Reabilitação Cognitiva no Cancro".
- Módulo depressivo do questionário de saúde do doentePublication . Torres, Ana; Monteiro, Sara; Bártolo, Ana; Pereira, Anabela; Albuquerque, EmíliaO Módulo Depressivo do Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) é um dos instrumentos de avaliação diagnóstica da depressão mais utilizado com doentes oncológicos. Com o presente trabalho, pretende-se sensibilizar para a utilização deste instrumento, dar a conhecer o estudo das propriedades psicométricas conduzido com uma amostra de doentes oncológicos e promover a adequada aplicação e cotação do mesmo.
- Perceived cognitive functioning in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy compared to matched healthy women: evidence from a Portuguese studyPublication . Oliveira, Ana Filipa; Torres, Ana; Teixeira, Ricardo J.; Monteiro, Sara; Pereira, Anabela; Santos, Isabel M.Aim: Cognitive concerns are one of the most frequently reported symptoms by breast cancer survivors. This study aimed to evaluate perceived cognitive functioning in Portuguese women with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolling 146 women (73 with breast cancer and 73 healthy) was conducted from August to October 2017, invited to participate through online dissemination. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires to collect sociodemographic and clinical data and assess perceived cognitive functioning and psychological adjustment variables (anxiety and depression). Results: Compared to healthy women, women with breast cancer showed significantly lower scores on the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function (FACT-Cog) subscales and higher levels of depression. Both groups showed significant negative correlations between perceived cognitive functioning and anxiety and depression. Health status and depression seem to better explain perceived cognitive functioning, with health status adding significantly more explained variance beyond sociodemographic and psychological adjustment variables. Conclusion: The current findings provide evidence for the existence of more cognitive complaints among Portuguese women with breast cancer, compared to healthy individuals. Anxiety, depression, age and education also explain perceived cognitive functioning. Considering that health status and psychological adjustment seem to significantly explain perceived cognitive functioning, special attention should be given by health-care professionals, including nurses, to designing clinical interventions for breast cancer patients to help manage cognitive impairment.
- Psychosocial outcomes in young adults with cancer: emotional distress, quality of life and personal growthPublication . Monteiro, Sara; Torres, Ana; Morgadinho, Rita; Pereira, AnabelaThis study aimed at assessing the psychosocial adjustment, specifically the emotional distress, quality of life (QOL) and personal growth, in a sample of 36 Portuguese young adults with cancer and 435 healthy controls. Cancer patients scored significantly lower than controls in the role, cognitive and social domains of QOL and in personal growth. Cancer patients scored significantly lower than off-treatment survivors in the role domain of QOL and personal growth. Cancer patients revealed QOL and personal growth difficulties. These issues need to be considered in the psychosocial intervention within adolescents and young adults' oncology care.