A study published in BMC Cancer explores the impact of peer support on self-efficacy in young adult cancer survivors (YA-CS).
The study investigated the effectiveness of the Peer2Me intervention, a peer mentoring program for YA-CS in Germany.
Participants were paired with peer mentors sharing similar demographics and cancer experiences to enhance self-efficacy through shared experiences.
The study, conducted in Leipzig and Hamburg, included young adults undergoing acute cancer treatment.
Despite strong interest in peer mentoring, the study found no significant improvement in self-efficacy scores for those receiving peer support compared to usual care.
The findings challenge assumptions about the direct impact of peer support on self-efficacy among young adult cancer survivors.
The study suggests the need for multidimensional support strategies tailored to individual readiness and baseline psychological state.
While peer support addresses psychosocial needs, it may not always translate into measurable enhancements in self-efficacy.
Further research is recommended to optimize peer support programs and integrate them with other supportive care services for YA-CS.
The study underscores the importance of considering various factors in enhancing self-efficacy, including intervention duration and participant experiences.