Understanding Supportive Care Factors Among African American Breast Cancer Survivors.
BACKGROUND
Comprehensive breast cancer care includes not only diagnosis, staging, and treatment of cancer but also assessment and management of the physical, psychological, social, and informational needs, collectively known as supportive care. Several studies have documented the importance of addressing supportive care factors among breast cancer survivors. However, there appears to be a paucity of research concerning African American breast cancer survivors (AABCS). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe and understand the patient-centered supportive care factors among self-identified AABCS.


METHODS
Using a qualitative descriptive approach, an open-ended question explored supportive care factors that were used by N = 155 AABCS.


RESULTS
Four supportive care factors were identified: faith, supportive structures, optimism, and access to information.


CONCLUSIONS
An understanding of these factors might facilitate discussion between survivors and the health care team. The resultant effect could also inform and promote the delivery of culturally specific health care to address the supportive care needs among these women.
1 California State University San Bernardino, CA, USA.|2 Center for the Promotion of Health Disparities Research and Training, San Bernardino, CA, USA.
Claudia M
CM
Davis
3 UCLA School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Adeline M
AM
Nyamathi
4 California State University San Marcos, CA, USA.
Alham
A
Abuatiq
1 California State University San Bernardino, CA, USA.
Geraldine C
GC
Fike
1 California State University San Bernardino, CA, USA.
Anna M
AM
Wilson
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D000073116:Cancer Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D057220:Health Literacy / Q000592:standards; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
access; breast cancer; breast cancer survivors; clinical areas; faith; oncology/hematology; optimism; supportive care factors; supportive structures