Factors Affecting Quality of Life for Korean American Cancer Survivors: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Problem Identification There is limited understanding of Korean American cancer survivors’ quality of life (QOL) within a cultural context. The study examined factors associated with the QOL of Korean American cancer survivors. Literature Search A systematic literature search of PubMed, CINAHL®, Google Scholar, and EBSCO databases from January 2000 to January 2014. Data Evaluation The studies were assessed for the relevance to the purpose of the review. Each study was rated on a 2-point scale using an 11-item quality criteria checklist. Data Synthesis The 13 studies that met the criteria for inclusion included 7 descriptive, 5 qualitative, and 1 mixed method. Conclusion Social support, communication, and acculturation were key factors associated with Korean American’s QOL. Cultural differences were evident for Korean Americans versus other Asian American ethnic groups. Implications for Practice More innovative and culturally driven research is needed to understand each minority group’s cultural barriers as well as to improve cancer survivors’ QOL. Improving doctor-patient relationship is critical to promote better cancer experiences for Korean American cancer survivors. Knowledge Translation Majority of Korean American cancer survivors are 1st generation immigrants and have language and cultural barriers when receiving health care services. Social support, communication, and acculturation are factors that influence level of quality of life of Korean American cancer survivors. The quality of the doctor-patient relationship is important to Korean-Americans and can be improved by utilizing interpreting services, providing language-appropriate educational materials, and increased awareness, knowledge, and understanding of cultural contexts. Collaborating with ethnic community centers and churches to deliver cancer-related information and nursing interventions would be a strategy to improve cancer screenings rates, access to medical services and implement culturally appropriate nursing interventions to improve patients’ QOL.

The experience of health‐related quality of life in extended and permanent cancer survivors: A qualitative systematic review

“…Families were the main source of support for survivors, bringing physical and emotional benefits that influenced having a satisfactory HRQoL. An integrative review on factors that affected HRQOL in cancer patients in South Korea showed how social support, increased family support, and good family communication were associated with satisfactory HRQoL, confirming the findings of this review 57 …”

“…An integrative review on factors that affected HRQOL in cancer patients in South Korea showed how social support, increased family support, and good family communication were associated with satisfactory HRQoL, confirming the findings of this review. 57 Similarly to this review, a meta-synthesis with elderly people with chronic diseases showed hope as an important psychological resource to deal with a chronic disease, and was related to improvement in the sense of self, feelings of control, relationships with others, and HRQoL. 58 In addition, spirituality in the elderly was manifested by prayers and belief in a deity, contributing to the process of resignification of the HRQoL experience.…”

Predictors of quality of life and depression among Korean‐American cancer patients and their family caregivers

“…Social support from family is a major resource for coping with stress among Korean Americans. Many Korean Americans also rely on their religious communities to extend their social networks, gain helpful information, and transition to a new environment . Consistent with stress coping theory, illness appraisals also predicted patient's QOL; those with fewer negative perceptions about their cancer had better QOL.…”

“…Social support representing assistance provided by family, friends, and others is positively associated with both better physical and mental QOL among Korean Americans . C ommunication and communication style also influence cancer patients' and caregivers' QOL and shaped by culture and ethnicity . Koreans use high‐context communication style which is derived from Confucianism and emphasizes nonverbal, indirect exchange of information .…”

Return to Work and Mortality in Breast Cancer Survivors: A 11-Year Longitudinal Study

“…This may account for the major difference in social welfare between breast cancer survivors from Taiwan and in other countries. Cultural differences including self-stigma and gender stereotyping might affect willingness to RTW for Asian cancer patients [ 45 , 46 ]. However, as a result of the limitations of our database, future studies are required to address these issues.…”