title: Information and support for co-survivors during or after cancer treatment: Consideration of Un Abrazo Para la Familia as a model for family-focused intervention in cancer rehabilitation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The development and evaluation of Un Abrazo Para La Familia, [A Hug for the Family] is described. Un Abrazo is discussed as an effective model of education, information-sharing, and skill-building for use with low-income co-survivors of cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty co-survivors participated. The majority were women and all reported being Hispanic.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using quantitative data (N=60), the needs, concerns, and characteristics of the co-survivor population served through Un Abrazo are presented. Further, we offer three qualitative case studies (with one co-survivor, one survivor, and one non-participant) to illustrate the model and its impact.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median level of education level of co-survivors was 12 years. The majority were unemployed and/or identified as homemakers, and indicated receipt of services indicating low-income status. Half reported not having health insurance. The top four cancer-related needs or concerns were: Information, Concern for another person, Cost/health insurance, and Fears.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recognizing the centrality of the family in addressing cancer allows for a wider view of the disease and the needs that arise during and after treatment. Key rehabilitation strategies appropriate for intervening with co-survivors of cancer include assessing and building upon strengths and abilities and making culturally-respectful cancer-related information and support accessible.
authors.affiliation: Center of Excellence in Women's Health, and Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
authors.forename: Catherine A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.affiliation: Family Studies and Human Development, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
authors.forename: Melissa A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Curran
authors.affiliation: Department of Human and Community Development, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Susan Silverberg
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Koerner
authors.affiliation: Psychosocial Oncology Program, University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, USA.
authors.forename: Karen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Weihs
authors.affiliation: Department of English, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
authors.forename: Amy C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Hickman
authors.affiliation: Pima County Health Department, Tucson, AZ, USA.
authors.forename: Francisco A R
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: García
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005239:Fear; D005249:Fees and Charges; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007348:Insurance, Health; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011203:Poverty; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Low-income; education; psychosocial; qualitative evaluation