Peer-Based Models of Supportive Care: The Impact of Peer Support Groups in African American Breast Cancer Survivors

Background.Recognizing the needs of cancer survivors is one of the important aspects in healthcare delivery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of unmet supportive care needs and its associated factors among the breast cancer survivors of community-based support group in Kuching, Sarawak.Materials and Methods.This was a cross-sectional study using Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-SF34). All the members of community-based breast cancer support groups in Kuching were invited. A total of 101 respondents were face-to-face interviewed after the consent was obtained. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results.The respondents endorsedhealth system and informationdomain with the highest mean score (2.48; 95% CI: 2.32–2.64). Top 10 items with “moderate to high” level unmet needs had a prevalence of 14.9% to 34.7% of respondents indicating need. Significantly higher level of unmet needs was associated with survivors who were younger (less than 60 years old), had higher education attainment, were unemployed, had survival duration of up to 5 years, and were undergoing active treatment.Conclusion. Systematic delivery of health information which is targeted, culturally sensitive, and linguistically appropriate for addressing younger age, education level, employment status, length of survivorship, and treatment stage should be considered not only at hospital-based setting but also at the community-based support groups.

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Understanding Supportive Care Factors Among African American Breast Cancer Survivors

Journal of Transcultural Nursing ◽

10.1177/1043659616670713 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 21-29 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Claudia M. Davis ◽

Adeline M. Nyamathi ◽

Alham Abuatiq ◽

Geraldine C. Fike ◽

Anna M. Wilson

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Health Care ◽

African American ◽

Supportive Care ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Health Care Team ◽

Care Needs ◽

Patient Centered ◽

Qualitative Descriptive

Introduction: 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. Method: 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. Discussion: 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.

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