title: Contextualizing the survivorship experiences of Haitian immigrant women with breast cancer: opportunities for health promotion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine challenges faced by Haitian immigrant women managing a breast cancer diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Trained community health workers conducted focus groups with Haitian women who were breast cancer survivors. A grounded theory approach guided analysis of transcripts.
  
  
  METHODS
  A large community-based organization in Miami, FL.
  
  
  METHODS
  18 women took part in three focus groups. Participants were 40 years or older, were ethnically Haitian, and had been diagnosed with breast cancer 6-12 months prior to the study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected as part of an ongoing community-based participatory research initiative in Little Haiti, the largest enclave of Haitian settlement in Miami, FL. Community health workers, integral to the initiative, recruited participants through their extensive social networks and community contacts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Screening knowledge, illness beliefs, social and economic consequences of a breast cancer diagnosis, and advice for breast health education.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Emergent themes suggest that Haitian breast cancer survivors face multiple challenges, including misperceptions about screening guidelines, disease etiology, and risk; a reduced capacity to earn a living because of physical debility; and diminished social support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Future research must continue to examine the impact of breast cancer on Haitian immigrant women and identify key strategies, such as community outreach and support programs, to improve their quality of life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurses can play an essential role in such strategies by providing culturally relevant clinical care and partnering with community stakeholders to define the scope and focus of public health intervention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida, USA. EKobetz@med.miami.edu
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kobetz
authors.forename: Janelle
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Menard
authors.forename: Noella
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dietz
authors.forename: Gabrielle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hazan
authors.forename: Hosanna
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Soler-Vila
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lechner
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Diem
authors.forename: Pascale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Auguste
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D017144:Focus Groups; D006205:Haiti / Q000208:ethnology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*