Exploring health behaviour changes within the support systems of breast cancer survivors: A comparative qualitative study of Korean–Americans and Koreans

Abstract

A better understanding of the health behaviours and their association with support systems can help to promote the health behaviours of breast cancer survivors in different cultural contexts. This study explored health behaviour changes within a familialesocialecultural context among Korean populations diagnosed with breast cancer. A comparative qualitative study was conducted with five focus groups of KoreaneAmericans living in the US and Koreans living in Korea. The common themes among the KoreaneAmericans and Koreans were 1) the impact of family on a healthy life, 2) recommendations concerning health behaviour practices from physicians, and 3) support from the religious community/faith. The findings also provided an insight into different perspectives related to health behaviour changes and support systems under different cultural contexts. This study sheds light on the importance of developing culturally tailored health behaviour interventions with appropriate support systems for Korean breast cancer survivors.