Gabriela Nichole Marrero-Quiñones

Background: Toolkits/toolboxes represent a promising intervention tool for cancer care and mental health. However, research is needed to identify their key components and effective implementation strategies. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR, the search was conducted across five databases using key terms. Included studies addressed mental health or cancer care using toolboxes or toolkits for adults, documented their delivery or implementation strategies, and were experimental or quasi-experimental in Spanish or English. Excluded studies involved adaptations, relied solely on qualitative methods, did not address the specified population, or were systematic reviews. Three independent reviewers conducted title/abstract screening, full-text review, and data charting, with discrepancies resolved by a senior reviewer. The review protocol was prospectively published in the Open Science Framework (OSF). The Downs and Black’s checklist was used to evaluate quality and assess for bias. Results: A total of 33 studies were included in the final review. The toolkits/toolboxes primarily consisted of themes related to mental health and wellness in cancer care. Most mental health diagnoses reported consisted of depression or depressive symptomatology (14, 20.3%) followed by anxiety (12, 17.4%). Educational (13, 15.1%) and cognitive and behavioral strategies (13, 15.1%) were the most frequently used, followed by self-management (10, 11.6%). A total of 13 (39.3%) included Hispanics/Latinos in their sample. In terms of quality appraisal, representation of the entire population was the least frequently met criterion (10, 30%). Conclusions: This review identified important methodological gaps in implementation and population representation, as well as intervention components that can represent promising key aspects of toolkits/toolboxes.

Background/Objectives: Lay Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a critical role in reducing mental health disparities, particularly among underserved and vulnerable populations, by bridging gaps in care and promoting mental well-being. This narrative review aimed to identify and characterize training programs designed for CHWs, with a focus on those targeting cancer patients and individuals with chronic conditions. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, EBSCOhost, Scielo, Redalyc, and Google Scholar. From an initial pool of 10,372 references, 27 relevant articles were selected, encompassing research articles, training materials, curricula, and other resources. Results: The identified training methods included role-playing, instructional videos, and manuals designed to equip CHWs with skills in mental health intervention, prevention, management, education, and stigma reduction. Training programs also incorporated evidence-based interventions and psychological skill training. This review highlights a notable gap in research on CHW-led interventions in cancer palliative care and mental health. Conclusions: The findings support the development of a specialized mental health training program tailored for CHWs working with cancer survivors, to enhance their capacity to address mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and promote psychological well-being. Future efforts involve developing a training intervention for CHWs to support the needs of cancer survivors.

Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Puerto Rico, patients face additional burdens due to the structural inequalities affecting access to employment, nutritious food, and mental health services. This study examined the associations between employment status, perceived economic hardship, dietary behaviors, and depressive symptoms among 334 adult cancer patients in Puerto Rico. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, participants provided sociodemographic data, dietary patterns, and self-reports of depression. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that full-time employment was associated with a higher consumption of low-nutritional-value foods (ρ = 0.157, p = 0.015) and significant differences in their consumption having a higher mean against unemployment were observed (mean ranks = 146.09 and 177.08, p = 0.010). A higher employment status also served as a protective factor against depression (p = 0.005). A higher body mass index (BMI) was linked to an increased risk of depression (p = 0.002), and perceived economic hardship was significantly associated with depression (OR= 0.54, p = 0.033). Conclusions: The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive interventions that account for the synergistic effects of economic perception, employment, nutrition, and psychological well-being in cancer treatment in Puerto Rico.