| Learning Objective #1: Identify four key findings from international and national nursing research studies on factors influencing health outcomes of women with breast cancer | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Identify key findings on appraisal (meaning) of breast cancer, coping, and resources which impact on the health of African-American, Hispanic, and White women with breast cancer |
Objective:International studies report poor quality of life and emotional distress among breast cancer patients. Appraisal(meaning),coping and resources can impact on health after breast cancer. This study investigated meaning of early stage breast cancer,coping,resources and health of ethnic women using a comparative study design.
Sample: Women aged 29 to 80(n=47)of African American(n=15),White(n=30)and Hispanic(n=2)ethnicity who were having breast surgery participated.
Variables studied were appraisal,coping,resources and health using Lazarus'and Folkman's framework.
Methods:Women were referred by surgeons. A letter about the study was shared with telephone follow-up to ascertain if inclusion criteria were met. Subjects were interviewed by nurses before surgery using Appraisal of Breast Cancer Scale, Ways of Coping Revised, Assessment of Resources, Physical Health Rating, and Profile of Mood States.
Findings: Women appraised breast cancer as challenging with harmful losses. Concerns were loss of independence, finances,social life,lifestyle habits,sleeping. African-Americans had more beneficial-positive appraisals than Caucasians(t=2.80,p=.008).There were no significant differences in threat,harm-loss,challenge and benign appraisals. Coping used quite a bit/great deal included: analyzed the problem;working;prayer;planning;obtaining advice;accepting it. African-Americans used more distancing than Caucasians(t=2.27,p=.029). Women did not differ in confrontive, self-controlling, escape-avoidance, support,accepts responsibility,problem-solving and positive reappraisal coping. Hispanic women waited,slept and used alcohol. Helpful resources were: support, religion, grieving, belief in control,finances, good relationships, mental health. Hispanic women used cultural practices (cat claw). African-Americans had less tension-anxiety (t=-2.56, p=.014),less confusion(t=-2.27, p=.028),more vigor(t=4.47,p<.001),and less mood disturbance(t=-3.22,p=.002)than Caucasians. Hispanic women reported uncertainty and fatigue.
Conclusions: Women hold positive and negative meanings about breast cancer,use many ways of coping and helpful resources. African-Americans hold more beneficial-positive appraisals,use more distancing coping,had better emotional health than Caucasians. Women are more similar than different in other appraisals, coping and physical health.
Implications focus on educating women on positive meanings, helpful coping strategies and resources since they impact on health. Study replication with a larger sample is recommended.
Back to Women and Cancer
Back to 37th Biennial Convention - Scientific Session
Sigma Theta Tau International