Effects of Couple-based Interventions on Psychological Outcomes among Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Cancer and its treatment can generate substantial psychological distress (depression and anxiety). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the effectiveness of couples-based interventions on psychological outcomes among people with cancer, and to test subgroup analyses to explore sources of heterogeneity affecting effect sizes. Design: Systematic searching across eight databases identified studies related to couples-based interventions for psychological outcomes of cancer patients published between 2007–2022. Rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria were utilized. Random-effects models were used to compute effect sizes with Hedge’s g, forest plot, and Q and I2 statistics to measure heterogeneity. Moderator analyses were examined. Results: Twelve primary studies were identified (938 participants, 56.14±7.29 years old). Overall, couples-based interventions significantly improved depression (g=.36 95% confidence interval .03 to .68, I2=76%) and anxiety (g=.29, 95% confidence interval 0.14 to .45, I2=0%) compared to controls. With subgroup analyses, fidelity of couple-based intervention, number of weeks across intervention, and timing of outcome assessment (number of days post- intervention) were moderators affecting effect sizes. Discussion: Couples-based interventions appear to be effective among adults with cancer. Additional research is needed to explore the efficacy of couple-based interventions among more diverse samples, and to examine routes for integrating couple-based interventions into practice. PROSPERO registration id: CRD42023389697