Design, development, and feasibility of a spanish-language cancer survivor support group

Abstract

Purpose Latino cancer survivors experience lower psychosocial well-being compared to Non-Latino Whites. This study describes the development of a culturally-appropriate support group and reports on feasibility of implementation and preliminary outcomes. Methods Promotores (lay health workers) conducted all aspects of data collection and program implementation. Participants were 29 Spanish-speaking Latino cancer survivors (n=12 men, 17 women) who took part in one of three study phases. Phase 1 included one-on-one interviews and focus groups (n=14) to investigate psychosocial needs of survivors. During Phase 2, a 10-week program was developed that integrated data from Phase 1 and culturally-relevant concepts. Session topics included stress, nutrition, physical activity, body image, sexuality, medical advocacy and social support. In Phase 3, the program was implemented within gender-specific groups (n=15). Within-group pre-post comparisons of distress (distress thermometer, salivary cortisol) and quality of life (FACIT) were conducted. Follow-up focus groups assessed participant experience Results Phase 1 activities identified survivor needs and interests (e.g., isolation, family and spirituality, supporting other Latinos with cancer). Evidence of program feasibility was demonstrated (e.g., 90%–100% attendance, 100% data completion). While interpretation of significance is limited due to sample size, improvements in quality of life [functional (p=0.05), social (p=0.02), and meaning/purpose (p=0.05)] were observed among women but not men. Qualitative follow-up revealed high satisfaction with group participation, but discomfort with the topic of sexuality in women. Conclusions This project demonstrates development and feasibility outcomes for providing culturally-appropriate psychosocial support to Latino cancer survivors. Limitations, including lack of control group, and future directions are discussed.

Engaging citizens living in vulnerable circumstances in research: a narrative review using a systematic search

“…A bridge person is identified as, for instance, a same-cultural researcher, a (trained) community member or leader, or a member of staff from a community-based organization. A shared (cultural) identity and core values help to build trust, as, noted, for example, by Ceballos et al ([ 20 ], p. 2146): “ Through their often long-standing and trusted relationships with communities, promotores provide a familiarity often unattainable by researchers, especially among underserved communities.”.…”

Exchanging focus groups for individual interviews when collecting qualitative data

“…All studies reviewed included participants who could be difficult to recruit: busy professionals (Baillie et al 2016;Robinson et al 2012); mothers with young babies (Carroll et al 2014;Hunter and Magill-Cuerden 2014); and minority ethnic groups, who required interpreters (Ceballos et al 2015;Riggs et al 2015). Researchers adopted a flexible approach to include particular individuals in their samples, potentially enriching the dataset.…”

“…Table 3 summarises the studies identified, with topic, methodologies and numbers of focus groups and interviews. Only one study included a theoretical rationale for use of focus groups (Ceballos et al 2015), referring to interactions and referenced to Kitzinger (1994). No studies included discussions about how the interview data differed from the focus group data.…”

¿Ahora qué?: Cultural Adaptation of a Cancer Survivorship Intervention for Latino/a Cancer Survivors

“…These included translation of materials, incorporation of culturally relevant features (eg, exercise and traditional foods), and inclusion of hands‐on activities, which are often integrated into cultural adaptations of behavioral health interventions . We also added education regarding sexuality, health insurance, spirituality, patient‐provider communication, employment, and finances; Latino/a survivors have expressed interest in these topics in previous studies . While Latino/as often value having a personal relationship with their doctors, many in the United States describe feeling more distant to medical professionals and therefore often seek less care .…”