Weber, B.A., Roberts, B.L., Yarandi, H., Mills, T.L., Chumbler, N.R. and Algood, C.
Side effects after radical prostatectomy include urinary, sexual and bowel dysfunction which, combined with the effects on lifestyle and dignity can lead to a complicated change in quality-of-life and decreased self-efficacy. 72 men undergoing radical prostatectomy were randomly assigned to either the usual healthcare group (control) or the peer-to-peer support (dyadic support) group 6 weeks prior to surgery. The dyadic meetings took place once a week for eight weeks.
General health-related quality-of-life (SF-36), prostate cancer-specific quality-of-life (UCLA Prostate Cancer Index), and self-efficacy (Stanford Inventory of Cancer Patient Adjustment) were measured pre- and post- test.
By 8 weeks, self-efficacy significantly improved for men in the experimental group, but not for men in the control group. Further analysis revealed that dyadic intervention significantly improved physical role functioning, bowel function, mental health, and social function. Age, education, and self-efficacy had significant interaction effects and increased the effects of the dyadic intervention on several outcomes.
In conclusion, peer to peer or "dyadic" support had a significant impact on how men react socially and emotionally to the side effects of radical prostatectomy.
The Journal of Men's Health & Gender, 2007, 4(2),