Barriers to Psychosocial Services Use For Latina Versus Non-Latina White Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Objective: This study compares barriers to psychosocial services use between Latina and non Latina White survivors after receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer and examines the association of these barriers with use of psychosocial services. Methods:A sample of 265 Latina and non-Latina White survivors who received treatment in a comprehensive cancer center in New York City completed a mailed questionnaire. The questionnaire measured quality of life, interest in help for distress, psychosocial services use, and barriers to use of psychosocial services. Bivariate and adjusted logistic regression models were conducted analyze the data.Results: More than half of the sample reported preferring to return to their normal routine, felt that they could take care of their emotional problems themselves, and preferred to seek support from their family or friends. Latinas were more likely to seek counseling from a spiritual leader and report that there are no counselors who speak their language and understand their values or background and that mental health services are too expensive. Conclusions:It is crucial to study and address potential barriers that contribute to health disparities and discrepancies in patient's access and use of psychosocial healthcare.Findings highlight the need to educate providers about patients' psychosocial needs; patients need to receive information about the benefits of psychosocial and mental health services, to normalize mental health service use and diminish stigma. Finally, culturally and linguistic sensitive services for Latina patients are warranted.

Emotional problem‐related distress screening and its prevalence by cancer type: Assessment by patients' characteristics and level of assistance requested

“…36,37 Among Spanish-speaking patients, language and social-economic barriers can prevent these patients from accessing information regarding their diagnosis and treatment, which may also limit their participation in treatment decision making. [38][39][40] Our results might suggest that some patients found a way to overcome this barrier by asking for assistance to better cope with their emotional distress. Future studies should explore this assumption and also evaluate the cultural drivers that may be at play in determining preferences for support.…”

“…Notably, patients in lower socio‐economic groups often utilize fewer health services, possess inadequate access to medical information and tend to report poorer communication with their providers 36,37 . Among Spanish‐speaking patients, language and social‐economic barriers can prevent these patients from accessing information regarding their diagnosis and treatment, which may also limit their participation in treatment decision making 38–40 . Our results might suggest that some patients found a way to overcome this barrier by asking for assistance to better cope with their emotional distress.…”

Supportive care needs and utilization of bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy: A longitudinal study

“…10 Other possible explanations for not using SC services are the following: stigma around SC services, not recognizing their own problems, not understanding or knowing that their problems can be treated, a preference to self-manage or use informational sources of support and patient limitations that might act as a barrier to accessing SC services. 26,27…”

Spiritual well‐being, distress and quality of life in Hispanic women diagnosed with cancer undergoing treatment with chemotherapy

“…15,17 Data suggest that Hispanic patients identify spiritual well-being as a key resource for coping with cancer and its treatment 18,19 and do so more often than non-Hispanic Whites. 20,21 Less is known about how acculturation contributes to quality of life and spirituality in this population. Some studies suggest that low acculturation is associated with anxiety and depression, 22 poor mental health, 15 and poor social, functional and emotional well-being, 23 but not with spiritual wellbeing, among Hispanic women with cancer.…”

“…Data suggest that Hispanic patients identify spiritual well‐being as a key resource for coping with cancer and its treatment 18,19 and do so more often than non‐Hispanic Whites 20,21 . Less is known about how acculturation contributes to quality of life and spirituality in this population.…”