title: The race gap in support group participation by breast cancer survivors: real or artifact?
abstract: Addressing methodological weaknesses of previous research, this study assesses whether African American women are, in fact, less likely to participate in breast cancer support groups than are White women. Of the breast cancer survivors, 958 (26% African Americans, 73% Caucasian) completed interviews concerning demographic characteristics, other support networks, effects of illness on home and spiritual life, and support group participation. Contrary to previous research, no race difference was found in support group participation. This research suggests more effort needs to be paid to sampling techniques and other methodological factors to adequately reflect the experiences and needs of breast cancer survivors, specifically African American women.
authors.affiliation: East Carolina University, USA.
authors.forename: Barret
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Michalec
authors.forename: Marieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van Willigen
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schreier
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D044383:Black People; D001943:Breast Neoplasms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012923:Social Class; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D044465:White People; D001741:Black or African American