Showing papers in "Journal of Psychosocial Oncology in 2014"
TL;DR: Lung cancer stigma provided significant explanation of the variance in QOL beyond covariates, and Interventions promoting social and psychological QOL may enhance stigma resistance skills.
Abstract: This study investigated lung cancer stigma, anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL) and validated variable similarities between ever and never smokers Patients took online self-report surveys Variable contributions to QOL were investigated using hierarchical multiple regression Patients were primarily White females with smoking experience Strong negative relationships emerged between QOL and anxiety, depression and lung cancer stigma Lung cancer stigma provided significant explanation of the variance in QOL beyond covariates No difference emerged between smoker groups for study variables Stigma may play a role in predicting QOL Interventions promoting social and psychological QOL may enhance stigma resistance skills
110 citations
TL;DR: Levels of satisfaction with care are attributed to the availability and communication of information, the management of side-effects, and the expediency and flexibility of treatments.
Abstract: As part of the National Cancer Institute's AYA HOPE study, 296 adolescent and young adults (AYAs) completed an open-ended survey item asking them to describe their medical care or experience with cancer. Patient, provider, and system-level characteristics all appear to influence AYAs' perceptions of their medical care. Participants attributed levels of satisfaction with care to the availability and communication of information, the management of side-effects, and the expediency and flexibility of treatments. Struggles with health insurance and finances were evident. Findings contribute to a better understanding of AYAs' cancer treatment experiences and will inform improvements to oncology care for this population.
100 citations
TL;DR: Female survivors, younger survivors, those who received more intensive treatment, and survivors without health insurance often reported a higher burden of posttreatment concerns though were less likely to have received posttreatment care.
Abstract: There is a need to better understand the posttreatment concerns of the nearly 14 million survivors of cancer alive in the United States today and their receipt of care. Using data from 2,910 posttreatment survivors of cancer from the 2006 or 2010 LIVESTRONG Surveys, the authors examined physical, emotional, and practical concerns, receipt of care, and trends in these outcomes at the population level. Results: 89% of respondents reported at least one physical concern (67% received associated posttreatment care), 90% reported at least one emotional concern (47% received care), and 45% reported at least one practical concern (36% received care). Female survivors, younger survivors, those who received more intensive treatment, and survivors without health insurance often reported a higher burden of posttreatment concerns though were less likely to have received posttreatment care. These results reinforce the importance of posttreatment survivorship and underscore the need for continued progress in meeting the...
74 citations
TL;DR: This study explored parents’ occupational/financial experiences posttreatment of childhood cancer survivors and found that prioritizing family, reinstigating career progression, and negative workplace attitudes were particularly challenging.
Abstract: Few studies have evaluated the impact of childhood cancer on parents’ occupational/financial status. This study explored parents’ occupational/financial experiences posttreatment. Semistructured interviews were administered to 78 parents (44 mothers) of childhood cancer survivors diagnosed in the preceding 5 years. Transcripts were organized into themes using QSR NVivo8. Parents reported familial, psychological, and practical factors affecting their ability to return to work. Prioritizing family, reinstigating career progression, and negative workplace attitudes were particularly challenging. Parents of children with cancer experience substantial work—family conflict after their child's physical recovery from cancer. Family friendly policies and further research are recommended.
60 citations
TL;DR: Four key sources of distress for family caregivers managing a loved one's cancer pain at home are identified that can help health care professionals better understand the experiences of these family caregivers and tailor supportive interventions to meet their needs.
Abstract: Pain requiring treatment is experienced by many cancer patients at the end of life. Family caregivers are often directly implicated in pain management. This article highlights areas of psychosocial concern for family caregivers managing a family member's cancer pain at home as they engage in pain management processes. This article is based on the secondary analysis, guided by interpretive description, of data collected for a grounded theory study that explored the processes used by family caregivers to manage cancer patients' pain in the home. Interviews and field notes from 24 family caregiver interviews were examined to identify areas of family caregiver psychosocial distress. The analysis revealed that family caregivers experienced distress at different phases of the pain management process. Sources of distress for caregivers included feeling as though they were "in a prison" (overwhelmingly responsible), "lambs to slaughter" (unsupported), and "flying blind" (unprepared). In addition, family caregivers expressed distress when witnessing their loved one in pain and when pain crises invoked thoughts of death. In sum, family caregivers managing a loved one's cancer pain at home are at risk for psychosocial distress. This study identified four key sources of distress that can help health care professionals better understand the experiences of these family caregivers and tailor supportive interventions to meet their needs. Knowledge about sources of distress can help healthcare professionals understand the experiences of these family caregivers and tailor supportive interventions to meet their needs.
55 citations
TL;DR: Findings suggest that experiencing hope during the pediatric cancer experience may facilitate posttraumatic growth in parents, and the construct of hope may be an important target of intervention for promoting positive adjustment in this population of parents.
Abstract: Posttraumatic growth (PTG), a positive change in values and major life goals experienced as a result of the struggle with a highly challenging life circumstance, has been shown to be related to the construct of hope, the belief that goals can be met. To date, no studies have examined the relationship between PTG and hope in parents of children with cancer. Participants were parents (N = 85) of children and adolescents (ages 2–18 years, M = 7.72 years) receiving treatment for cancer. Parents completed a demographic questionnaire, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and Hope Scale (HS). Hope was found to be related to PTG in parents of children with cancer, with higher levels of hope associated with greater PTG. Exploratory analyses on the subscales of the PTGI revealed that hope was also related to higher scores on the Relating to Others, New Possibilities, Personal Strength, and Appreciation of Life subscales. Spiritual change was not related to hope in parents. Conclusions: Findings suggest that e...
44 citations
TL;DR: The findings suggest cancer helplines offer callers time to discuss their issues, anonymity, convenience, and an open outlet for anyone affected by cancer including family/friends, and highlighted that callers’ help-seeking behavior was multifaceted.
Abstract: Helplines are core feature of the contemporary U.K. health care system, however little is known about callers experiences of seeking cancer-related telephone help. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 cancer helpline callers. The findings suggest cancer helplines offer callers (1) time to discuss their issues, (2) anonymity, (3) convenience, and (4) an open outlet for anyone affected by cancer including family/friends. Further, the findings highlighted that callers help-seeking behavior was multifaceted, with their psychosocial needs being intrinsically intertwined with their information or advice-seeking needs. The implications are discussed in relation to the role of cancer helplines in the healthcare system.
41 citations
TL;DR: Using a mixed methods approach to assess coping provides a richer understanding of families’ experiences, which can better inform clinical practice.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe child coping and parent coping assistance with cancer-related stressors during treatment. Fifteen children (age 6–12) with cancer and their parents (N = 17) completed semistructured interviews and self-report measures to assess coping and coping assistance. Results suggest families utilized a broad array of approach and avoidance strategies to manage cancer and its treatment. Quantitative and qualitative assessments provided complementary and unique contributions to understanding coping among children with cancer and their parents. Using a mixed methods approach to assess coping provides a richer understanding of families’ experiences, which can better inform clinical practice.
38 citations
TL;DR: People who took part in an outdoor adventure program for the first time had improved body image, self-compassion and self-esteem, and less depression and alienation, compared to a wait-list control group.
Abstract: This study evaluated the psychological effects of an outdoor adventure program on young adult cancer survivors (ages 18-39). The 6-day adventure program included personal instruction and supervision on the basics of kayaking, surfing, or climbing. Compared to a wait-list control group, participants who took part in the program for the first time had improved (relative to pretest) body image, self-compassion and self-esteem, and less depression and alienation. Participants who took part for the second time, though also helped by the program in similar ways, were no better off psychologically than participants who took part for the first time. Possible explanations for the positive effects and their apparent short duration are offered.
33 citations
TL;DR: Positive evaluations by the CCS and the psychologists indicate that the online chat intervention OK Onco Online is a promising innovative group intervention for adolescent CCS.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate satisfaction with and feasibility of an online cognitive behavioral-based group intervention (OK Onco Online) for adolescent childhood cancer survivors (CCS). The intervention, carried out by pediatric psychologists, aimed to prevent psychosocial problems. High levels of satisfaction were reported by the psychologists (n=6) and the CCS (n=11, age 11–17). The dropout rate was very low. Some recommendations for optimizing the intervention were mentioned. In conclusion, the positive evaluations by the CCS and the psychologists indicate that the online chat intervention OK Onco Online is a promising innovative group intervention for adolescent CCS. Further research is needed to confirm feasibility and to establish efficacy.
29 citations
TL;DR: It is evident that cancer can result in a strong psychological distress in the patient and it is important that cancer patients receive a proper assistance and psychological support and that both the possible presence of depression and suicidal ideation are constantly monitored.
Abstract: The aims of the study were to assess sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with suicidal ideation in patients with cancer who required a psycho-oncological support. Among 504 participants, there were 136 (23 men and 113 women) cancer patients who completed psychological assessment when admitted to the Psycho-oncology Outpatient Clinic between 2006 and 2011. Suicidal ideation was assessed by Item 9 of the Brief Symptom Inventory, Hopelessness was assessed by the hopelessness subscale of the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, and Depression was assessed by the depression subscale of the Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale. Around 30% of this sample reported affective symptoms and around 20% reported suicidal ideation and hopelessness. Patients who reported suicidal ideation were more hopeless (18.8 ± 6.7 vs. 15.7 ± 5.2; t(134) = 2.54; p < 0.05) and reported more depression (11.8 ± 4.8 vs. 6.8 ± 4.1; t(134) = 5.30; p < 0.001). It is evident that cancer can result in a strong psychological d...
TL;DR: Results suggest that knowledge about how to prevent cancer and benefit finding after cancer are related to positive health behaviors broadly, whereas better patient–provider communication is associated with positive cancer screening and health care utilization but not healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Abstract: Positive health-promoting behaviors, including lifestyle factors (e.g., physical activity) and appropriate health service utilization (e.g., screening for secondary cancers), can minimize the health risks and challenges facing cancer survivors. The goal of this article is to examine factors associated with positive health behaviors in 2,615 posttreatment cancer survivors who completed the 2010 LIVESTRONG survey. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model odds of reporting each of six positive health behaviors “as a result of your experience with cancer”: three “healthy lifestyle” behaviors and three “health care utilization” behaviors. In fully adjusted models, factors associated with greater likelihood of engaging in positive lifestyle behaviors (e.g., physical activity, changing diet) included sociodemographic factors, greater knowledge about how to reduce cancer risk; and reporting more psychological benefits due to cancer (ps <.01). Factors associated with greater likelihood of attending medic...
TL;DR: Examination of the process of dyadic coping among couples who are managing stress related to a partner's breast cancer diagnosis and identifies cultural factors that affect how couples cope together reveals some couples were able to transcend prevailing cultural norms to re-establish balance in their lives and adapt to the cancer.
Abstract: This study examines the process of dyadic coping among couples who are managing stress related to a partner's breast cancer diagnosis and identifies cultural factors that affect how couples cope together. Utilizing a qualitative method based on relational psychologies, the "Listening Guide," the authors analyzed the narratives of 28 couples who where coping with early-stage breast cancer and lived in Hong Kong-China, India, and the United States. Analysis revealed four cultural factors influencing the process of coping with breast cancer. These factors included (1) family boundaries, (2) gender roles, (3) personal control, and (4) interdependence. Some couples were able to transcend prevailing cultural norms to re-establish balance in their lives and adapt to the cancer. Implications for using couple-based interventions with cancer patients in differing cultural contexts are discussed.
TL;DR: This research demonstrates the importance of intimate relationships for young adults along their cancer trajectory, revealing that those relationships are severely strained by a cancer diagnosis and treatment yet help to limit negative consequences.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore intimate relationships after a cancer diagnosis, applying constructivist grounded theory to interviews with 55 Canadian young adult cancer survivors. The core category found was the dynamic interplay between participants' experiences of cancer and their intimate relationships. The authors found four themes within this core category: the mental experience of cancer, challenged sexual intimacy, the relationship response to strain (supportive or nonsupportive), and adapted intimacy. This research demonstrates the importance of intimate relationships for young adults along their cancer trajectory, revealing that those relationships are severely strained by a cancer diagnosis and treatment yet help to limit negative consequences.
TL;DR: Understanding cancer survivors’ existential challenges should enable health care professionals to engage with the emerging shift from the predominantly medically focused posttreatment care to a more holistic approach.
Abstract: The existential experiences associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment are well researched, but the posttreatment phase is relatively underexplored. Using semistructured interviews and theory-led thematic analysis this qualitative study investigated the existential experiences of eight cancer survivors who had successfully completed curative treatment. Being in remission had led to deep existential reflections (i.e., death anxiety, freedom, isolation, and meaning making), and some participants faced considerable challenges that affected their emotional well-being. Understanding cancer survivors’ existential challenges should enable health care professionals to engage with the emerging shift from the predominantly medically focused posttreatment care to a more holistic approach.
TL;DR: Findings support the hypothesis that patients’ attachment security plays a crucial role in the relation with their own caregiver and with the physician, even at the terminal phase of an oncological disease.
Abstract: Security of attachment is described as an inner resource that may also facilitate the adaptation of individuals during critical life adversity, even when facing end-stage illness and death. This study assessed the relation between attachment styles, patient-caregiver reciprocal empathy, and patient-physician working alliance, in the terminal phase of an oncological disease. We hypothesized that the attachment security of patients, as measured by the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ), is related to the reciprocal empathy with the caregiver, as measured by the Perception of Partner Empathy (PPE) questionnaire, and to the working alliance with the physician, as measured by the Working Alliance Inventory-Short Form (WAI-S). Thirty-seven end-stage cancer patients, their caregivers, and physicians participated in the study. The PPE and WAI-S were administered twice: immediately after the hospice recovery and a week later. Results showed a significant improvement in patient-caregiver empathy and in patient-physician alliance after a week at the hospice. Findings indicated that the patients' attachment style influenced their perception of reciprocal empathy with the caregiver and the working alliance with the physician. Patients with a secure attachment had a greater capacity to show empathic closeness with their caregivers and enjoyed a better working alliance with their physicians. Caregivers' attachment security, otherwise, did not show the same influence on empathy and alliance. Findings support the hypothesis that patients' attachment security plays a crucial role in the relation with their own caregiver and with the physician, even at the terminal phase. Theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are explored in the discussion.
TL;DR: Results suggest that both members of the dyad should be targeted for psychosocial interventions during radiation/chemoradiation treatment period.
Abstract: This study explored the psychosocial functioning of 10 head and neck cancer patient-caregiver dyads over the radiation/chemoradiation (radiation or combined chemoradiation) treatment period, including the interdependence in patient-caregiver quality of life (QOL). Dyads were recruited prior to or at the initiation of radiation/chemoradiation treatment. Patient QOL decreased across the treatment trajectory, and many caregiver QOL subscales decreased during the middle of treatment. Caregiver burden increased over the treatment trajectory with levels remaining relatively low. Patients and caregivers demonstrated interdependence in QOL toward the middle and conclusion of treatment. Patients demonstrated more depression than caregivers at all time points. Results suggest that both members of the dyad should be targeted for psychosocial interventions during radiation/chemoradiation treatment period.
TL;DR: Opportunities to integrate social work using a comprehensive quality of life model and a composite patient scenario from a large lung cancer educational intervention National Cancer Institute–funded program project grant are highlighted.
Abstract: Lung cancer patients and their family caregivers face a wide range of potentially distressing symptoms across the four domains of quality of life. A multidimensional approach to addressing these complex concerns with early integration of palliative care has proven beneficial. This article highlights opportunities to integrate social work using a comprehensive quality of life model and a composite patient scenario from a large lung cancer educational intervention National Cancer Institute-funded program project grant.
TL;DR: Cancer centers should be prepared to provide preferred treatment methods, particulary as screening, and therefore management, of psychosocial distress is to be required.
Abstract: A substantial number of cancer patients experience depression. This study investigated treatment preferences for depression. Breast cancer survivors (N = 134) completed an anonymous survey asking preference and interest in three treatments for depression: individual counseling (IC), antidepressant medication (MED), or support groups (SG). Participants were recruited from a surgical oncology office and asked to complete the survey as they waited for their appointment. Preference was compared using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests. More than 50% ranked IC as first choice of treatment. Preference for IC was significantly higher than preference for MED and SG. Preference between MED and SG did not differ. Survivors prefered counseling for treatment of depression. Cancer centers should be prepared to provide preferred treatment methods, particulary as screening, and therefore management, of psychosocial distress is to be required.
TL;DR: The findings are easily related to attachment theory by stressing the significance of establishing trustful relationships with the health care staff, as attachment figures, who respond flexibly and sensitively to the patient's needs.
Abstract: Most studies of the psychosocial needs of patients with head and neck cancers' (HNC) use predefined categories and explicitly ask for specified needs. These studies are important but should be comp ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provided a description of psychological late effects among a heterogeneous cohort of pediatric cancer survivors attending the South Australian Late-effects Clinic, reporting more problems on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist compared to normative data but no differences in Sluggish Cognitive Tempo scores.
Abstract: This study provides a description of psychological late effects among a heterogeneous cohort of pediatric cancer survivors (N = 70) attending the South Australian Late-effects Clinic. Survivors reported more problems on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist compared to normative data but no differences in Sluggish Cognitive Tempo scores. Forty-six percent of the sample reported school difficulties, and 12% of the sample age older than 15 reported smoking. Late-effects clinics should continue to monitor psychological well-being and health behaviors. Further research is recommended to determine whether sluggish cognitive tempo is a useful concept for the assessment of survivors.
TL;DR: Investigation of relations among optimism, perceived health vulnerability, treatment intensity, and academic, self-regulatory, and social self-efficacy in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer found optimism and health vulnerabilities as mechanisms for change may benefit from exploring optimism andhealth vulnerabilities as mechanism for change.
Abstract: This study investigated relations among optimism, perceived health vulnerability, treatment intensity, and academic, self-regulatory, and social self-efficacy in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer. Fifty-six adolescent survivors (Mage = 16.19 years, SD = 2.48) completed questionnaires. Compared to a previously published sample of adolescents without a history of cancer, survivors reported similar academic, higher self-regulatory, and lower social self-efficacy. Optimism and health vulnerability were associated with changes in academic, self-regulatory, and social self-efficacy. Cancer-specific variables (e.g., treatment intensity, time since treatment ended) were unrelated to self-efficacy. Interventions aimed at enhancing self-efficacy may benefit from exploring optimism and health vulnerabilities as mechanisms for change.
TL;DR: In these African American survivors of CRC, support from family, other survivors of cancer, and the faith community was perceived as being important for adherence to posttreatment surveillance.
Abstract: African Americans are less likely than other groups to receive appropriate surveillance after colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment. The objective of this study is to qualitatively explore the role of social support in post-CRC treatment surveillance and ultimately, inform interventions to promote surveillance in African American survivors of CRC.Interviews were conducted with 60 African American survivors of CRC recruited from the Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance (CanCORS) study and the Alabama Statewide Cancer Registry. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were reviewed and coded independently by the authors. The NVivo software package was used to facilitate coding and data management. Survivors were from 4 to 6 years post diagnosis, 57p female, 60p older than age 65 years, 57p from rural Alabama, 30p with stage 1, 32p with stage 2, and 38p with stage 3 disease. Material and emotional social support from family and one's faith com...
TL;DR: The article presents the Cancer Dyads Group Intervention (CDGI), a supportive group intervention for breast cancer patients and caregivers, and preliminary findings about its effectiveness.
Abstract: Despite the fact that importance of primary relationships for cancer patients and their caregivers' adaptation to illness is well recognized, only a paucity of studies report about clinical interventions for the patient-caregiver dyad. The article presents the Cancer Dyads Group Intervention (CDGI), a supportive group intervention for breast cancer patients and caregivers, and preliminary findings about its effectiveness. A correspondence analysis of the verbatim transcripts of the first three groups was conducted. Findings highlight the evolution of participants during the intervention and confirm the congruence between goals and the participants' experience. Further investigation of the CDGI effectiveness is necessary.
TL;DR: Assessment of learning and friendship development by campers attending one of four pediatric oncology summer camps during 2010 in North America found skills gained at camp will help build coping and resiliency for children/siblings affected by pediatric cancers.
Abstract: Children with cancer and their families often attend specialized camps (therapeutic recreation) through their cancer treatment journey, yet little is known about the effects of these camps. A qualitative cohort study was used to assess learning and friendship development by campers attending one of four pediatric oncology summer camps during 2010 in North America. Standardized perceived change questionnaires developed by the American Camp Association were administered following camp attendance. Five-hundred and eighteen campers were enrolled: 120 (age 6–9 years) and 398 (age 10 and older). The largest positive response from the younger campers was observed for the question, “At camp did you learn to look forward to trying new activities?” For the older campers’ survey, the items “Becoming better at enjoying being with my friends,” “Becoming better at helping my friends have a good time when they are with me,” and “Becoming better at getting to know more things about my friends” were perceived to increase ...
TL;DR: The results are distilled into the core category disheartening interactions and four categories: falling outside the professional framework, not being seen as a person, unidentified/unmet need for guidance and involvement, and patient strategy–minimizing conflict.
Abstract: Based on the research method grounded theory and semistructured patient interviews at home following hospitalization, the aim was to provide information on issues relating to the identification and alleviation of patients’ physical and emotional problems, understood as continuity in palliative care. The interviews were based on selected problems that patients found significant. The results are distilled into the core category disheartening interactions and four categories: falling outside the professional framework, not being seen as a person, unidentified/unmet need for guidance and involvement, and patient strategy–minimizing conflict. The categories are significant in generating and maintaining continuity in basic palliative care.
TL;DR: Findings revealed a high frequency of unmet support needs, particularly in the psychological, physical, and practical domains, and disparities in levels of support needs were found to be dependent on income and minority status.
Abstract: International research suggests that many women with gynecological cancers have unmet supportive care needs that often correlate with greater psychological distress and poorer quality of life. The United States has a diverse population and evolving health care system, so this study aims to identify the support needs of women with gynecologic cancer in this geographic region. Furthermore, there are numerous health disparities with regards to cancer care; therefore, a second aim of this study is to explore health disparities in unmet support needs. Fifty-one women with gynecologic cancers completed an adapted version of the Supportive Care Needs Survey. Sociodemographic and cancer-related information were also collected. Findings revealed a high frequency of unmet support needs, particularly in the psychological, physical, and practical domains. Additionally, disparities in levels of support needs were found to be dependent on income and minority status. Specifically, unmet needs in the physical/daily livin...
TL;DR: A narrative analysis of 73 cancer diagnosis and treatment stories reveals five “paths” Veterans are taking 18 months postdiagnosis, indicating that cancer survivorship cannot be conceptualized as a one-size-fits-all experience.
Abstract: This study assessed the biopsychosocial impact of cancer on Veteran older adult survivors by garnering their accounts of their illness experiences. A narrative analysis of 73 cancer diagnosis and treatment stories reveals five “paths” Veterans are taking 18 months postdiagnosis. These paths indicate that cancer survivorship cannot be conceptualized as a one-size-fits-all experience but rather is a process of Veterans understanding and making sense of the effects of cancer on their lives. Our future goal is to develop a screening tool to help clinicians identify a patient's “path” to tailor survivorship care to meet specific needs.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors shorten the Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale (CLCSS) from 31 items to 21 items and showed strong evidence of internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha =.93).
Abstract: Lung cancer stigma is an important phenomenon experienced by many lung cancer patients that can be a barrier to medical help-seeking behavior. The purpose of this study was to shorten the Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale (CLCSS). The original 31-item scale had excellent internal consistency reliability but item redundancy. The majority of lung cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, and patient burden with survey completion may be higher in this population. To reduce patient burden with participation in lung cancer stigma-related research, a psychometrically sound short measure of lung cancer stigma is valuable. Factor analysis was used to evaluate the dimensionality of the CLCSS. Results were used to shorten the measure to 21 items. The shortened scale showed strong evidence of internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha =.93). Results also indicate the scale is three dimensional with reliable subscales: stigma and blame, social isolation, and discrimination.
TL;DR: This research can be used to inform, guide, and support group work helping address patient and caregiver need improving their quality of life.
Abstract: This study investigated patients living with cancer and caregivers of patients living with cancer with regard to cancer support group content and satisfaction with this model of support (N = 3,723). Using a cross-sectional survey design participants were recruited through registered users of the NexCura Cancer Profiler website. Demographic and clinical variables, including perceived social support, were compared between patients and caregivers. Topic importance questions, and the proportion of patients and caregivers who selected those topics identified as very important and important, was calculated and compared. Group satisfaction was elicited and compared between patients and caregivers. This research can be used to inform, guide, and support group work helping address patient and caregiver need improving their quality of life.