Cancer burden: Exploring the parallels between cancer hardship and the well-being of cancer caregivers.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (30_suppl) ◽  
pp. 162-162
Author(s):  
Martha Raymond
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patient ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cancer Burden ◽  
Cancer Caregivers

162 Background: The latest 2016 data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology & End Results (SEER) Program estimates there are 15.5 million cancer survivors in the U.S. Millions of cancer survivors rely on cancer caregivers every day. Cancer caregivers play a vital role throughout the care continuum, and greatly impact a patient’s quality of life. Caring for a cancer patient affects all aspects of a caregiver’s life, including: changes to daily routine, work and family life; financial hardship; and emotional and psychological distress. Our study explores the cancer burden, unmet needs and well-being of cancer caregivers. Methods: Beginning in September 2015-September 2017, our professional facilitator with over 25 years of cancer advocacy experience hosted nationwide caregiver focus groups. Primary goals were reaching caregivers in rural, urban and community oncology settings to gain perspective from diverse populations. We met with cancer caregivers in 32 states via traditional focus group settings and online via facetime conferencing. Results: 778 caregivers (42% male, 58% female) participated in our focus groups. 88% reported high levels of stress and anxiety (I struggle to concentrate & walk around feeling like I was kicked in the stomach); 78% were employed full time with an average of an additional 20+ hours per week devoted to caregiving responsibilities (Pulled in every direction – need balance); 66% reported self-health decline (No time for me – worry I will get sick and then what?) Describing in one word their current feelings, the top three responses were: Exhausted; Lonely; Overwhelmed. Conclusions: The burden of caring for a cancer patient is immense and all-consuming. Our conversations with caregivers will continue as we collaborate with partners, develop meaningful programs, and expand our outreach and resources to help lessen the burdens of cancer on caregivers.

scholarly journals Rural Michigan Farmers’ Health Concerns and Experiences: A Focus Group Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110535
Author(s):  
Nathan Wright ◽  
Marylee Scherdt ◽  
Michelle L. Aebersold ◽  
Marjorie C. McCullagh ◽  
Barbara R. Medvec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Health Care System ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Rural Residents ◽  
Care Services ◽  
Care System

Objectives: Rural residents comprise approximately 15% of the United States population. They face challenges in accessing and using a health care system that is not structured to meet their unique needs. It is important to understand rural residents’ perceptions of health and experiences interacting with the health care system to identify gaps in care. Methods: Our team conducted focus groups with members of the Michigan Farm Bureau during their 2019 Annual Meeting. Topics explored included resources to manage health, barriers to virtual health care services, and desired changes to localized healthcare delivery. Surveys were used to capture demographic and internet access information. Conclusion: Analysis included data from 2 focus groups (n = 14). Participants represented a wide age range and a variety of Michigan counties. The majority were full-time farm owners with most—93% (n = 13)—reporting they had access to the internet in their homes and 86% (n = 12) reporting that their cellphones had internet capabilities. Participants identified challenges and opportunities in 4 categories: formal health care; health and well-being supports; health insurance experiences; and virtual health care. Conclusion: The findings from this study provide a useful framework for developing interventions to address the specific needs of rural farming residents. Despite the expressed challenges in access and use of health care services and resources, participants remained hopeful that innovative approaches, such as virtual health platforms, can address existing gaps in care. The study findings should inform the design and evaluation of interventions to address rural health disparities.

scholarly journals Factors Contributing to Psychological Distress in the Working Population, With A Special Reference to Gender Difference - A Population-Based Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satu Viertiö ◽  
Olli Kiviruusu ◽  
Maarit Piirtola ◽  
Jaakko Kaprio ◽  
Tellervo Korhonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Special Reference ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Working Population ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Work Family

Abstract BackgroundPsychological distress refers to non-specific symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, and it is more common in women. Our aim was to investigate factors contributing to psychological distress in the working population, with a special reference to gender differences. Methods We used questionnaire data from the nationally representative Finnish Regional Health and Well-being Study (ATH) collected in the years 2012–2016 (target population participants aged 20 +, n=96 668, response rate 53%), restricting the current analysis to those persons who were working full-time and under 65 of age (n=34 468). Psychological distress was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5) (cut-off value <=52). We studied the following factors potentially associated with psychological distress: sociodemographic factors, living alone, having children under 18 years of age, lifestyle-related factors, social support, helping others outside of the home and work-related factors. We used logistic regression analysis to examine association between having work-family conflict with the likelihood for psychological distress. We first performed the models separately for men and women. Then interaction by gender was tested in the combined data for those independent variables where gender differences appeared probable in the analyses conducted separately for men and women.Results Women reported more psychological distress than men (11.0% vs. 8.8%, respectively, p<0.0001). Loneliness, job dissatisfaction and family-work conflict were associated with the largest risk of psychological distress. Having children, active participation, being able to successfully combine work and family roles, and social support were found to be protective factors. A significant interaction with gender was found in only two variables: ignoring family due to being absorbed in one’s work was associated with distress in women (OR 1.30 (95% CI 1.00–1.70), and mental strain of work in men (OR 2.71 (95% CI 1.66–4.41).Conclusions Satisfying work, family life and being able to successfully combine the two are important sources of psychological well-being for both genders in the working population.

scholarly journals Factors contributing to psychological distress in the working population, with a special reference to gender difference - a population-based study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satu Viertiö ◽  
Olli Kiviruusu ◽  
Maarit Piirtola ◽  
Jaakko Kaprio ◽  
Tellervo Korhonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Special Reference ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Working Population ◽  
Mental Strain ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Work Family

Abstract BackgroundPsychological distress refers to non-specific symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, and it is more common in women. Our aim was to investigate factors contributing to psychological distress in the working population, with a special reference to gender differences.MethodsWe used questionnaire data from the nationally representative Finnish Regional Health and Well-being Study (ATH) collected in the years 2012–2016 (target population participants aged 20 +, n=96 668, response rate 53%), restricting the current analysis to those persons who were working full-time and under 65 of age (n=34 468). Psychological distress was assessed using the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5) (cut-off value <=52). We studied the following factors potentially associated with psychological distress: sociodemographic factors, living alone, having children under18 years of age, lifestyle-related factors, social support, helping others outside of the home and work-related factors. We used logistic regression analysis to examine association between having work-family conflict with the likelihood for psychological distress. We first performed the models separately for men and women. Then interaction by gender was tested in the combined data for those independent variables where gender differences appeared probable in the analyses conducted separately for men and women.ResultsWomen reported more psychological distress than men (11.0% vs. 8.8%, respectively, p<0.0001). Loneliness, job dissatisfaction and family-work conflict were associated with the largest risk of psychological distress. Having children, active participation, being able to successfully combine work and family roles, and social support were found to be protective factors. A significant interaction with gender was found in only two variables: ignoring family due to being absorbed in one’s work was associated with distress in women (OR 1.30 (95% CI 1.00–1.70), and mental strain of work in men (OR 2.71 (95% CI 1.66–4.41).ConclusionsSatisfying work, family life and being able to successfully combine the two are important sources of psychological well-being for both genders in the working population.

Underserved community-based walking program for breast cancer survivors.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. e288-e288
Author(s):  
Judy Angela Tjoe ◽  
Linda B. Piacentine ◽  
Karen M. Robinson ◽  
Alexander V. Ng ◽  
Leslie J. Waltke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Walking Program

e288 Background: Advancements in early detection and new treatment options have improved outcomes for breast cancer survivors (BCS). With increased survivorship, improving quality of life (QOL) may be a challenge for some women. Exercise improves QOL for BCS and decreases recurrence, but, despite this many women do not routinely exercise. Underserved areas are at particular risk. Few studies have examined factors influencing exercise initiation and maintenance in underserved areas among minority overweight women. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine physiological outcomes and motivational factors in a community-based goal oriented walking program for BCS. Methods: A convenience sample of female BCS was recruited from an inner-city community center 12-week walking program. Women participated in physiological testing and focus groups before and after the program. Data was collected regarding strength, fitness, quality of life, and motivation of the women. Quantitative data was analyzed with paired t-tests. Two researchers independently analyzed focus groups’ transcriptions and like statements and phrases were coded. Themes emerged after discussions between the researchers. Results: The 13 participants [overweight BMI (n = 2), and obese BMI (n = 11)] had a mean survivorship of 5.4 years (range .25-14.5) years. Only 7 participants completed both pre and post physiological testing. Functional endurance significantly improved as indicated by the 6 Minute Walk Test (pre = 503(56), post = 570 (63) meters, mean(sd)), p = 0.02). While overall QOL did not improve, functional well-being showed significant improvement. Two focus group sessions were held at the beginning (n = 13) and end (n = 11) of the program. Themes emerged identifying 1) Treatment Weight Gain, 2) Familial Support, 3) Not Wanting to Go it Alone, 4) The Team Made the Difference Conclusions: Female BCS spoke of interpersonal and environmental factors involved in the decision to engage and maintain exercise with the walking program. Further research is needed to examine exercise motivation in underserved, overweight and obese breast cancer survivors.

The caregiver voice: Insights into caring for the young adult colorectal cancer patient.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 148-148
Author(s):  
Martha Raymond ◽  
Margaret-Ann Simonetta
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Patient ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Caregiver Support ◽  
Young Caregivers

148 Background: According to data from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology & End Results (SEER) Program, since 1994 statistics show a 50% increase in young onset colorectal cancer incidence in the 20-49 age group. Researchers estimate that by 2030, more than 1 in 10 colon cancers and 1 in 4 rectal cancers will be diagnosed in young adults under 50 years of age. Based on these alarming statistics and understanding the vital role caregivers play throughout the cancer continuum, our study explores the emotional and psychosocial implications for caregivers of young adult colorectal cancer survivors. Methods: From September 2015 – September 2017, our professional facilitator with over 25 years of cancer advocacy work hosted nationwide caregiver focus groups. Primary goals included reaching caregivers in rural, urban and community oncology settings to gain perspective from diverse populations. During the study period, we spoke with caregivers in 32 states via traditional focus group settings and online via Skype format. Results: 576 caregivers (37% male, 63% female) participated in our national focus groups. When asked to describe in one word their current feelings, the top ten responses were: Stressed, Anxious, Alone, Exhausted, Angry, Needed, Guilty, Burned-Out, Overwhelmed, Frustrated. 55% of the young caregivers reported they were experiencing self-health decline ( Can’t sleep, can’t focus – feel sad all the time). 73% reported they felt lost and totally helpless ( No control over situation or outcome). 89% reported depression ( We hurt because we can’t take their pain away). 76% reported they felt ill-equipped to help their loved one leading to stress and anxiety ( Desperate for whatever might help). Conclusions: New and expanded caregiver support services are needed. Emotional and psychosocial support are essential to the well-being of our caregivers as they provide vital support to patients in need throughout the cancer care continuum. We will continue the conversation with caregivers as we create programs and expand support services.

scholarly journals Yoga Helps Put the Pieces Back Together: A Qualitative Exploration of a Community-Based Yoga Program for Cancer Survivors

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Mackenzie ◽  
Amanda J. Wurz ◽  
Yayoi Yamauchi ◽  
Lanie Ann Pires ◽  
S. Nicole Culos-Reed
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Yoga Practice ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Qualitative Exploration ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

Objective. A qualitative research methods approach was used to explore the experiences of participants in an ongoing community-based yoga program developed for cancer survivors and their support persons.Methods. 25 participants took part in a series of semistructured focus groups following a seven-week yoga program and at three- and six-month follow-ups. Focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a process of inductive thematic analysis.Results. The group was comprised of 20 cancer survivors, who were diagnosed on average 25.40 (20.85) months earlier, and five support persons. Participants had completed the yoga program an average of 3.35 (3.66) times previously and attended approximately 1.64 (0.70) of three possible focus groups. Four key themes were identified: (1) safety and shared understanding; (2) cancer-specific yoga instruction; (3) benefits of yoga participation; (4) mechanisms of yoga practice.Conclusions. Qualitative research provides unique and in-depth insight into the yoga experience. Specifically, cancer survivors and support persons participating in a community-based yoga program discussed their experiences of change over time and were acutely aware of the beneficial effects of yoga on their physical, psychological, and social well-being. Further, participants were able to articulate the mechanisms they perceived as underpinning the relationship between yoga and improved well-being as they developed their yoga practice.

scholarly journals “It was a Hard Life”:Class and Gender in the Work and Family Rhythms of a Railway Town, 1920‑1950

2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 237-279
Author(s):  
Mark Rosenfeld
Keyword(s):  
Working Class ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Working Class Women ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Many ◽  
Men's Experience

Abstract Most social histories of the working class have focussed on women's or men's experience alone. However, while studies of working-class women have often been sensitive to the way in which class and gender relationships are constructed and reconstructed simultaneously, histories of working-class men have been largely gender-blind. In an attempt to provide a more comprehensive understanding of gender-based divisions in the working-class experience this study examines the relationship between male and female work worlds in the railway ward of Barrie, Ontario between 1920 and 1950. Based primarily on oral history, this paper argues that the class and gender conditions and relations of the period set limits to what was available and possible for the men and women of the railway ward. In most families, husbands were breadwinners and wives were full-time homemakers. This pattern was the response of railroad families to the constraints created by the gender division of wage work, railway labour rhythms, the prevailing conditions of reproductive labour, and the ideology of patriarchy. None the less, railroaders and their wives also made choices within the limitations of their lives. These choices had different implications for the men and women of the community. The strategies men and women adopted for survival and well-being also began to change over the period, both altering as well as being changed by the constraints they faced. As conditions changed, concepts of masculinity and femininity which informed their strategies began to shift — but not dramatically. The experience of the railway community revealed that the construction of gender identities was a complex and contradictory process. Indeed, the historical literature on the social construction of gender has really only began to grapple with the many dimensions which comprised that process.

Welfare, Work, and Family Well-Being: A Comparative Analysis of Welfare and Employment Status for Single Female-Headed Families Post-Tanf

2005 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Hennessy
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Paid Work ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Welfare Policies ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Full Time Employment

Welfare reform's emphasis on employment and declining caseloads diverts attention from the lack of success experienced by formerly welfare reliant families who participate in paid work. Using data from the 1997 and 1999 National Survey of American Families, this article investigates the effects of participation in paid work for low-income single-parent female-headed families on three important aspects of family well-being: (1) the ability to pay for rent and utilities, (2) postponing needed medical care, and (3) food hardship. Results indicate that full-time employment does not “pay off” for families who have been off welfare for two or more years when compared to families who have never relied on welfare. These findings suggest that policy makers should pay greater attention to structural conditions and expand work supports in constructing welfare policies that work for all low-income families.

scholarly journals Factors contributing to psychological distress in the working population, with a special reference to gender difference - a population-based study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satu Viertiö ◽  
Olli Kiviruusu ◽  
Maarit Piirtola ◽  
Jaakko Kaprio ◽  
Tellervo Korhonen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Special Reference ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Working Population ◽  
Mental Strain ◽  
Related Factors

Abstract Purpose Psychological distress refers to non-specific symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, and it is more common in women. Our aim was to investigate factors contributing to psychological distress in the working population, with a special reference to gender differences. Methods We used questionnaire data from the nationally representative Finnish Regional Health and Well-being Study collected in 2012–2016 (target population participants aged 20 +, n=96 668, response rate 53%), restricting the current analysis to those persons who were working full-time and under 65 years (n=34 468). Psychological distress was assessed using the Mental Health Index (cut-off value <=52). We studied the following factors potentially associated with psychological distress: sociodemographic factors, living alone, having minor children, lifestyle-related factors, social support, helping others outside of the home and work-related factors. Results Women reported more psychological distress than men (11.0% vs. 8.8%, respectively, p<0.0001). Loneliness, job dissatisfaction and family-work conflict were associated with the largest risk of psychological distress. Having children, active participation, being able to successfully combine work and family roles, and social support were found to be protective factors. A significant interaction with gender was found in only two variables: ignoring family due to being absorbed in one’s work was associated with distress in women (OR 1.30 (95% CI 1.00–1.70), and mental strain of work in men (OR 2.71 (95% CI 1.66–4.41). Conclusion Satisfying work, family life and being able to successfully combine the two are important sources of psychological well-being for both genders in the working population.

Employee well-being: A multilevel model linking work and family domains

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly M. Schwind ◽  
Remus Ilies ◽  
Daniel Heller
Keyword(s):  
Multilevel Model ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work And Family
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