Perceptions of Support Among Older African American Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Purpose/Objectives-To explore the perceived social support needs among older adult African American cancer survivors.Research Approach-Qualitative design using grounded theory techniques. Setting-Outpatient oncology clinics in the southeastern United States.Participants-Focus groups with 22 older adult African American cancer survivors.Methodologic Approach-Purposeful sampling technique was used to identify focus group participants. In-depth interviews were conducted and participants were interviewed until informational redundancy was achieved. Main Research Variables-Social support needs of older adult African American patients with cancer.Findings-Social support was influenced by (a) symptoms and treatment side effects, (b) perceptions of stigma and fears expressed by family and friends, (c) cultural beliefs about cancer, and (d) desires to lessen any burden or disruption to the lives of family and friends. Survivors navigated within and outside of their networks to get their social support needs met. In some instances, survivors socially withdrew from traditional sources of support for fear of being ostracized. Survivors also described feeling hurt, alone, and socially isolated when completely abandoned by friends. Conclusions-The support from family, friends, and fellow church members is important to positive outcomes among older African American cancer survivors. However, misconceptions, fears, and negative cultural beliefs persist within the African American community and negatively influence the social support available to this population.Interpretations-Early identification of the factors that influence social support can facilitate strategies to improve outcomes and decrease health disparities among this population.Hamilton can be reached at

Differential Predictors of Medication Adherence in HIV: Findings from a Sample of African American and Caucasian HIV-Positive Drug-Using Adults

“…For example, in a study of African American cancer survivors, although participants reported having support networks, when support was not forthcoming, participants feared that it was a result of negative beliefs. 63 It is important to note that we only assessed whether our participants perceived support in relation to their HIV status and treatment. We did not assess the quality of support or assistance that they actually received, or if support was forthcoming.…”

Religiosity and Spirituality in Military Veteran Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Perspective

“…Prayer is the most frequently cited religious behavior with participants praying for their family, positive treatment outcomes, amelioration of fear, healing, and comfort. Cancer survivors also report praising and thanking God in prayer (Campesino, 2009;Gall & Cornblat, 2002;Hamilton, Moore, Powe, Agarwal, & Martin, 2010;Levine, Aviv, Yoo, Ewing, & Au, 2009). However, God does not merely hear prayers.…”

Coping Skills Among African-American Breast Cancer Survivors

“…Coping skills by African-American women can be affected by perceptions and fears of family and friends and the desire to lessen the burden of their loved ones. The result of these cultural perceptions can cause many to withdraw from support structures from fear of being ostracized by their peers (Hamilton, Moore, Powe, Agarwal, & Martin, 2010). Acquiring the skills to cope with survivorship is delicately intertwined with identifying and addressing the psychosocial factors that affect patients.…”