Protocol of a multisite randomized controlled trial of Bright IDEAS-Young Adults: Problem-solving skills training to reduce distress among young adults with Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Young adults with cancer diagnosed between the ages of 18 to 39 are recognized as a vulnerable group with unique emotional, social, and practical needs that put them at risk of poor psychosocial outcomes and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study describes the protocol of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of Bright IDEAS-Young Adults (Bright IDEAS-YA), a problem-solving skills training intervention, on psychosocial outcomes of young adults newly diagnosed with cancer. METHODS: Bright IDEAS-YA is a two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled trial. Young adults are eligible if they are 18-39 years of age, within four months of a first cancer diagnosis, and receiving systemic therapy with life expectancy of at least six months. Participants are randomized 1:1 to Bright IDEAS-YA or enhanced usual care. Survey measures are completed at enrollment and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. The primary endpoint will be the estimated change from baseline to 6 months in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychosocial HRQOL. The other time points are secondary endpoints. Mediators and moderators will be examined. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized trial will determine the efficacy of Bright IDEAS-YA on psychosocial outcomes for young adults newly diagnosed with cancer. Analyses will also examine mechanisms of action and potentially identify subgroups for whom the intervention is particularly useful. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov #NCT04585269.

Factors Associated with COVID­19 Vaccine Uptake Among Adolescents and Young Adults Recently Diagnosed with Cancer.

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) recently diagnosed with cancer are medically vulnerable but little is known about vaccine uptake/intent in this group. AYAs reported on their COVID-19 vaccine uptake/intent. Logistic regression models examined factors associated with vaccine uptake. Higher education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0-3.5) and knowing someone diagnosed with COVID-19 (aOR = 7.2, 95% CI: 1.6-33.5) were associated with increased vaccine uptake. Prior personal diagnosis of COVID-19 (aOR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.1-0.7) was associated with lower odds of uptake. Targeted interventions may be needed to improve uptake among this group. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04585269).

Suicide Risk and Addiction: The Impact of Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders.

Purpose of Review: Suicide is a major public health concern and a leading cause of death in the US. Alcohol and opioid use disorders (AUD/OUD) significantly increase risk for suicidal ideation, attempts, and death, and are the two most frequently implicated substances in suicide risk. We provide a brief overview of shared risk factors and pathways in the pathogenesis of AUD/OUD and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We also review clinical recommendations on inpatient care, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapeutic interventions for people with AUD/OUD and co-occurring suicidal ideation and behavior. Recent Findings: Among people with an underlying vulnerability to risk-taking and impulsive behaviors, chronic alcohol intoxication can increase maladaptive coping behaviors and hinder self-regulation, thereby increasing the risk of suicide. Additionally, chronic opioid use can result in neurobiological changes that lead to increases in negative affective states, jointly contributing to suicide risk and continued opioid use. Despite significantly elevated suicide risk in individuals with AUD/OUD, there is a dearth of research on pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for co-occurring AUD/OUD and suicidal ideation and behavior. Summary: Further research is needed to understand the effects of alcohol and opioid use on suicide risk, as well as address notable gaps in the literature on psychosocial and pharmacological interventions to lower risk for suicide among individuals with AUD/OUD.