Ninoshka Rivera-Torres

Mrs. Ninoshka Rivera-Torres

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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STStephanie D. Torres-Marrero
Stephanie D. Torres-Marrero
CBCarled K Arguelles Berriod
Carled K Arguelles Berriod
NRNinoshka Rivera-Torres
Ninoshka Rivera-Torres
LRLianel P. Rosario-Ramos
Lianel P. Rosario-Ramos
ALAlondra De Lahongrais-Lamboy
Alondra De Lahongrais-Lamboy
NBNormarie Torres Blasco
Normarie Torres Blasco
(1) Background: Coping with a cancer diagnosis can be a challenging process, in which patients and caregivers often require family support. For an adequate support network, there must be clear communication among patients, caregivers, and family members. However, the literature has not adequately discussed communication interventions with extended family members. Our research team identified the need to incorporate communication strategies among patients, caregivers, and extended family. For this reason, we aimed to develop a communication module for patients with cancer, caregivers, and extended family members. (2) Methods: We conducted two steps to address the study’s objective: (a) a narrative literature review to identify communication strategies or interventions and (b) a data triangulation with the narrative literature review findings, the primary study findings, and the cultural expert expertise. (3) Results: The module content included learning what to say and improving general communication. Within the content were communication strategies such as prompt lists, priority lists, methods of telling others, delegating, seeking support, and others. (4) Conclusions: Enhancing the communication among patients with cancer, caregivers, and extended family promotes adequate family support. Nevertheless, future studies should explore the acceptability and implementation strategies of protocols focused on communication.

NBNormarie Torres Blasco
Normarie Torres Blasco
STStephanie D. Torres-Marrero
Stephanie D. Torres-Marrero
NRNinoshka Rivera-Torres
Ninoshka Rivera-Torres
DCDenise Cortés-Cortés
Denise Cortés-Cortés
SSSabrina Michelle Pérez-De Santiago
Sabrina Michelle Pérez-De Santiago
Practical training and recruitment strategies are critical for the sustainable implementation of psychosocial interventions. However, few studies have examined how to prepare community partners and doctoral students to support culturally adapted psycho-oncology interventions. This pre-pilot study aims first to evaluate two distinct training programs and recruitment procedures, and second to explore preliminary pre-post outcomes of the Caregiver-Patients Support to Cope with Advanced Cancer (CASA) intervention, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Three clinical psychology graduate students received CASA training, and two community partners completed Recruitment training. We present descriptive pre- and post-assessments, along with qualitative feedback, for both training and institutional (Puerto Rico Biobank) and community-based recruitment outcomes. A related-samples nonparametric analysis examined pre- and post-CASA intervention signals. Results indicated knowledge gains among doctoral students (pre-test M = 3.3; post-test M = 9.3) and community partners (pre-test M = 4.5; post-test M = 9.5). Preliminary outcomes revealed significant improvements in spiritual well-being (Z = −2.618, p = 0.009) and quality of life (Z = −2.957, p = 0.003) and a reduction in depressive (Z = −2.764, p = 0.006), anxiety (Z = −2.667, p = 0.008), and distress (Z = −2.195, p = 0.028) symptoms following CASA. Of 26 recruited dyads, institutional referrals enrolled 16 dyads (61.5%), while community partners referred 10 dyads with a 90.9% success rate. Findings support the feasibility of both training and CASA exploratory outcomes suggest meaningful psychosocial benefits for Latino dyads coping with advanced cancer. Combining institutional infrastructure with community engagement may enhance sustainability and equitable access to psycho-oncology care.