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Grateful Strides Toward Physical Activity and Well-Being for Black Breast Cancer Survivors

A Pilot Feasibility Study of a Gratitude Journaling Intervention to Enhance Well-being and Exercise Readiness in Older African American Female Breast Cancer Survivors

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05473026
Enrollment
26
Registered
2022-07-25
Start date
2022-11-08
Completion date
2023-07-25
Last updated
2024-09-19

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

African Americans, Breast Neoplasm Female, Cancer Survivors, Cardiometabolic Syndrome, Exercise, Feasibility Studies, Psychology, Positive, Women

Keywords

African American Women, Breast Cancer Survivorship, Gratitude, Cardiometabolic Syndrome, Geriatrics, Physical Activity

Brief summary

This pilot study will assess the feasibility of a gratitude intervention to promote physical activity, and well-being and positively impact biomarkers of health among older African American breast cancer survivors. The intervention will also include a goal-setting component to promote exercise readiness and examine the cultural phenomena of the Superwoman schema among Black women.

Detailed description

In this pilot feasibility study, the overall aims are: Aim 1. Assess the feasibility and acceptability of a gratitude journaling intervention using a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) design over eight weeks. We hypothesize that among the 28 participants 1) at least 80% of the participants will report the intervention to be acceptable, 2) biomarker collection will be completed in at least 80% of the surveys and the retention rate will be 80% in each group, and 3) physical activity, health markers, gratitude, well-being, and distress will improve over time. Aim 2. Describe distributions of outcome variables and effect size for the gratitude journaling intervention on dispositional gratitude, spiritual well-being, psychological distress, exercise readiness, mental and health behaviors in African American/Black women (Superwoman Schema), and inflammatory biomarkers from baseline to post-intervention.

Interventions

Gratitude journaling and goal setting for exercise readiness over eight weeks.

Sponsors

National Institute on Aging (NIA)
CollaboratorNIH
University of Florida
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

The principal investigator will inform participants of their group assignment and provide intervention details. The research assistant and biostatistician will be blind to group allocation.

Intervention model description

Two-group parallel random-assignment experimental design.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
50 Years to 99 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Self-report as AA or Black * English speaking * History of BC (Stage I-IV); 3 months to 6 years post-adjuvant chemotherapy * Participants on hormonal therapies or HER-2 therapy are acceptable

Exclusion criteria

* Self-reported regular meditation or gratitude practices (more than once a week for at least a month) * Meeting the CDC's physical activity guidelines (at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75 min of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination each week)

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Participants Who Met Inclusion Criteria Compared to Participants Approached8 monthsPercentage of women who meet the inclusion criteria relative to the number of women approached.
Participant Completion of Baseline Assessment MeasuresWeek 0Percentage of participants completing baseline assessment measures.
Participant Completion of Both Baseline Assessments and Post-intervention AssessmentsWeek 0, Week 8Percentage of participants who completed baseline assessments and completed the post-intervention assessments.
Treatment Satisfaction Using Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)Week 8We assessed treatment satisfaction using the mean Client Satisfaction Questionnaire(CSQ-8) scores. An overall score is calculated by summing the respondent's rating score for each scale item. Scores range from 8 to 32, with higher values indicating higher satisfaction.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Exercise Readiness From Baseline to Post-interventionWeek 0, Week 8The Exercise Readiness Scale measured the stages of exercise behavior change at baseline and post-intervention. The scale consists of five items assessing exercise behavior and intentions. Participants choose one statement that best describes their current level of physical activity, with options ranging from 1 (no participation in physical activity and no intention to start) to 5 (exercising regularly for more than 6 months). Scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater readiness for regular physical activity and higher stages of exercise behavior change.
Change in Dispositional Gratitude From Baseline to Post-interventionWeek 0, Week 8The mean change of dispositional gratitude measured at week 0/baseline and post-intervention/week 8 was measured using the Gratitude Questionnaire-6 designed to measure four facets of dispositional gratitude: (a) intensity, (b) frequency, (c) span, and (d) density. The scale consists of six items, each rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). To calculate the GQ-6 score, each item's score is summed to yield a total score. The minimum possible score is 6, indicating the lowest level of gratitude, and the maximum possible score is 42, indicating the highest level of gratitude. For example, if a participant's responses to the six items are 5 (slightly agree), 6 (agree), 4 (neutral), 7 (strongly agree), 3 (slightly disagree), and 5 (slightly agree), the total score would be 30. This total score is then used to gauge the participant's level of gratitude, with higher scores reflecting greater gratitude.
Change in C-Reactive Protein From Baseline to Post-interventionWeek 0, Week 8The mean change of inflammatory biomarkers baseline/week 0 and post-intervention/week 8 was measured using a Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit containing C-Reactive Protein.
Change in Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15) From Baseline to Post-interventionWeek 0, Week 8The mean change of inflammatory biomarkers baseline/week 0 and post-intervention/week 8 was measured using a Luminex panel containing Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15).
Change in Spiritual Well-being From Baseline to Post-interventionWeek 0, Week 8The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Spiritual Well-Being is a self-report measure designed to assess spiritual well-being in individuals with chronic illness. It was used to report mean change from week 0/baseline and post-intervention/week 8. The scale comprises 12 items divided into two subscales: Meaning/Peace and Faith. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (very much). To calculate the FACIT-Sp-12 score, each item's score is summed. The Meaning/Peace subscale score is obtained by summing the scores of items 1 to 8, with a range of 0 to 32. The Faith subscale score is derived from items 9 to 12, with a range of 0 to 16. The total spiritual well-being score, which combines both subscales, ranges from 0 to 48. Higher scores on the FACIT-Sp-12 indicate greater spiritual well-being.
Change in Distress From Baseline to Post-interventionWeek 0, Week 8The mean change of distress baseline/week 0 and post-intervention/week 8 was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale designed to measure stress during the last month. The scale consists of 10 items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (very often). To calculate the PSS score, each item's score is summed, with items 4, 5, 7, and 8 being reverse-scored to account for their positive phrasing. The reversed scoring for these items means that a response of 0 becomes 4, 1 becomes 3, 2 remains 2, 3 becomes 1, and 4 becomes 0. The total score, ranging from 0 to 40, reflects the individual's perceived stress level, with higher scores indicating greater stress.
Change in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionWeek 0, Week 8The Giscombe Superwoman Schema Questionnaire (GSSQ) measured the mean change in Superwoman Schema between baseline and post-intervention at weeks 0 and 8. The GSSQ consists of 35 items across five dimensions: obligation to manifest strength (6 items), obligation to suppress emotions (7 items), resistance to being vulnerable (7 items), intense motivation to succeed (6 items), and obligation to help others (9 items). Items are rated on a Likert scale from 0 (not true) to 3 (true all the time). The total score ranges from 0 to 105, with subscale ranges as follows: Strength (0-18), Suppress (0-21), Resistance (0-21), Motivation (0-18), and Help (0-27). Higher scores indicate stronger endorsement of the Superwoman Schema. Total and subscale scores are summed, with higher scores representing stronger schema identification.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Participants were recruited using organic social media recruitment, flyers, and multiple specialized strategies, including the OAIC Pepper Center Clinical Research Core - Participant Registry (IRB201601352), UF Health Cancer Center Community-Partnered Cancer Disparities Research Collaborative, UF Health Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement, UF Healthstreet, Integrated Data Repository, and UF Consent2Share Registries. Potential participants were screened for eligibility via telephone.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Gratitude Intervention
Each participant will receive a gratitude journal (paperback or electronic journal based on preference) for eight weeks and will have the following journaling prompt to complete at least twice a week: There are many things in our lives, both large and small, that we might be grateful about. Think back over the day and write down on the line below all that you are grateful for today (maximum six reasons). The educational goal-setting component will be drawn from the American Cancer Society's Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Cancer toolkit. Participants will be able to choose the order in which they complete the goal-setting modules. Both exercises will be administered daily over eight weeks. Gratitude Intervention: Gratitude journaling and goal setting for exercise readiness over eight weeks.
13
Attention Control
Each participant will receive a journal (paperback or electronic journal based on preference) Participants will receive the following general journaling prompt to complete at least twice a week: What are some memorable events that happened to you today, big, or small (maximum six memories). Write a brief statement about it.
13
Total26

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up52

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicTotalAttention ControlGratitude Intervention
Age, Continuous65.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.9
66.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.1
63.4 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.5
Body Mass Index33.9 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.7
31.7 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5.7
36.1 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.7
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
26 Participants13 Participants13 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Height64.5 inches
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.1
63.5 inches
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.8
65.5 inches
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.2
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
26 Participants13 Participants13 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
26 participants13 participants13 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
26 Participants13 Participants13 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Weight201.8 pounds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 59.3
181.1 pounds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 39.8
222.5 pounds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 69.3

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 130 / 13
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 130 / 13
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 130 / 13

Outcome results

Primary

Participant Completion of Baseline Assessment Measures

Percentage of participants completing baseline assessment measures.

Time frame: Week 0

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Gratitude InterventionParticipant Completion of Baseline Assessment Measures13 Participants
Attention ControlParticipant Completion of Baseline Assessment Measures13 Participants
Primary

Participant Completion of Both Baseline Assessments and Post-intervention Assessments

Percentage of participants who completed baseline assessments and completed the post-intervention assessments.

Time frame: Week 0, Week 8

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Gratitude InterventionParticipant Completion of Both Baseline Assessments and Post-intervention Assessments8 Participants
Attention ControlParticipant Completion of Both Baseline Assessments and Post-intervention Assessments11 Participants
Primary

Participants Who Met Inclusion Criteria Compared to Participants Approached

Percentage of women who meet the inclusion criteria relative to the number of women approached.

Time frame: 8 months

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Gratitude InterventionParticipants Who Met Inclusion Criteria Compared to Participants Approached13 Participants
Attention ControlParticipants Who Met Inclusion Criteria Compared to Participants Approached13 Participants
Primary

Treatment Satisfaction Using Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)

We assessed treatment satisfaction using the mean Client Satisfaction Questionnaire(CSQ-8) scores. An overall score is calculated by summing the respondent's rating score for each scale item. Scores range from 8 to 32, with higher values indicating higher satisfaction.

Time frame: Week 8

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Gratitude InterventionTreatment Satisfaction Using Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)29.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.7
Attention ControlTreatment Satisfaction Using Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)29.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3
Secondary

Change in C-Reactive Protein From Baseline to Post-intervention

The mean change of inflammatory biomarkers baseline/week 0 and post-intervention/week 8 was measured using a Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit containing C-Reactive Protein.

Time frame: Week 0, Week 8

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Gratitude InterventionChange in C-Reactive Protein From Baseline to Post-intervention3.1 mg/LStandard Deviation 6
Attention ControlChange in C-Reactive Protein From Baseline to Post-intervention0.6 mg/LStandard Deviation 2.6
Secondary

Change in Dispositional Gratitude From Baseline to Post-intervention

The mean change of dispositional gratitude measured at week 0/baseline and post-intervention/week 8 was measured using the Gratitude Questionnaire-6 designed to measure four facets of dispositional gratitude: (a) intensity, (b) frequency, (c) span, and (d) density. The scale consists of six items, each rated on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). To calculate the GQ-6 score, each item's score is summed to yield a total score. The minimum possible score is 6, indicating the lowest level of gratitude, and the maximum possible score is 42, indicating the highest level of gratitude. For example, if a participant's responses to the six items are 5 (slightly agree), 6 (agree), 4 (neutral), 7 (strongly agree), 3 (slightly disagree), and 5 (slightly agree), the total score would be 30. This total score is then used to gauge the participant's level of gratitude, with higher scores reflecting greater gratitude.

Time frame: Week 0, Week 8

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Gratitude InterventionChange in Dispositional Gratitude From Baseline to Post-intervention0.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.3
Attention ControlChange in Dispositional Gratitude From Baseline to Post-intervention-0.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1
Secondary

Change in Distress From Baseline to Post-intervention

The mean change of distress baseline/week 0 and post-intervention/week 8 was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale designed to measure stress during the last month. The scale consists of 10 items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (very often). To calculate the PSS score, each item's score is summed, with items 4, 5, 7, and 8 being reverse-scored to account for their positive phrasing. The reversed scoring for these items means that a response of 0 becomes 4, 1 becomes 3, 2 remains 2, 3 becomes 1, and 4 becomes 0. The total score, ranging from 0 to 40, reflects the individual's perceived stress level, with higher scores indicating greater stress.

Time frame: Week 0, Week 8

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Gratitude InterventionChange in Distress From Baseline to Post-intervention-2.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.9
Attention ControlChange in Distress From Baseline to Post-intervention-1.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.5
Secondary

Change in Exercise Readiness From Baseline to Post-intervention

The Exercise Readiness Scale measured the stages of exercise behavior change at baseline and post-intervention. The scale consists of five items assessing exercise behavior and intentions. Participants choose one statement that best describes their current level of physical activity, with options ranging from 1 (no participation in physical activity and no intention to start) to 5 (exercising regularly for more than 6 months). Scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater readiness for regular physical activity and higher stages of exercise behavior change.

Time frame: Week 0, Week 8

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Gratitude InterventionChange in Exercise Readiness From Baseline to Post-intervention0.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.5
Attention ControlChange in Exercise Readiness From Baseline to Post-intervention-0.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.6
Secondary

Change in Spiritual Well-being From Baseline to Post-intervention

The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Spiritual Well-Being is a self-report measure designed to assess spiritual well-being in individuals with chronic illness. It was used to report mean change from week 0/baseline and post-intervention/week 8. The scale comprises 12 items divided into two subscales: Meaning/Peace and Faith. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (not at all) to 4 (very much). To calculate the FACIT-Sp-12 score, each item's score is summed. The Meaning/Peace subscale score is obtained by summing the scores of items 1 to 8, with a range of 0 to 32. The Faith subscale score is derived from items 9 to 12, with a range of 0 to 16. The total spiritual well-being score, which combines both subscales, ranges from 0 to 48. Higher scores on the FACIT-Sp-12 indicate greater spiritual well-being.

Time frame: Week 0, Week 8

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Gratitude InterventionChange in Spiritual Well-being From Baseline to Post-intervention3.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8
Attention ControlChange in Spiritual Well-being From Baseline to Post-intervention-1.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.1
Secondary

Change in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-intervention

The Giscombe Superwoman Schema Questionnaire (GSSQ) measured the mean change in Superwoman Schema between baseline and post-intervention at weeks 0 and 8. The GSSQ consists of 35 items across five dimensions: obligation to manifest strength (6 items), obligation to suppress emotions (7 items), resistance to being vulnerable (7 items), intense motivation to succeed (6 items), and obligation to help others (9 items). Items are rated on a Likert scale from 0 (not true) to 3 (true all the time). The total score ranges from 0 to 105, with subscale ranges as follows: Strength (0-18), Suppress (0-21), Resistance (0-21), Motivation (0-18), and Help (0-27). Higher scores indicate stronger endorsement of the Superwoman Schema. Total and subscale scores are summed, with higher scores representing stronger schema identification.

Time frame: Week 0, Week 8

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Gratitude InterventionChange in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionStrength subscale-0.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.9
Gratitude InterventionChange in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionSuppress emotions subscale-0.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.2
Gratitude InterventionChange in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionResistance to vulnerability subscale-2.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.2
Gratitude InterventionChange in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionMotivation to succeed subscale-1.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.2
Gratitude InterventionChange in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionCare for others subscale0.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.5
Gratitude InterventionChange in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionTotal score-4.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.4
Attention ControlChange in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionCare for others subscale1.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.8
Attention ControlChange in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionStrength subscale-0.9 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.9
Attention ControlChange in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionMotivation to succeed subscale-1.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.4
Attention ControlChange in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionSuppress emotions subscale0.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.2
Attention ControlChange in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionTotal score1.1 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 23.9
Attention ControlChange in Superwoman Schema (Racial and Gender Identity) From Baseline to Post-interventionResistance to vulnerability subscale-0.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.6
Secondary

Change in Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15) From Baseline to Post-intervention

The mean change of inflammatory biomarkers baseline/week 0 and post-intervention/week 8 was measured using a Luminex panel containing Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15).

Time frame: Week 0, Week 8

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Gratitude InterventionChange in Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15) From Baseline to Post-interventionTNF-a (pg/mL)-2.4 pg/mLStandard Deviation 5.1
Gratitude InterventionChange in Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15) From Baseline to Post-interventionIL-6 (pg/mL)3.0 pg/mLStandard Deviation 4.1
Gratitude InterventionChange in Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15) From Baseline to Post-interventionGDF-15 (pg/mL)17.4 pg/mLStandard Deviation 89.4
Attention ControlChange in Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15) From Baseline to Post-interventionTNF-a (pg/mL)-0.2 pg/mLStandard Deviation 1.1
Attention ControlChange in Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15) From Baseline to Post-interventionIL-6 (pg/mL)0.0 pg/mLStandard Deviation 15.3
Attention ControlChange in Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Growth/Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15) From Baseline to Post-interventionGDF-15 (pg/mL)15.2 pg/mLStandard Deviation 696.4

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 9, 2026