Significance: Ethnic disparities exist in cancer survivorship. In most ethnic minority populations, the 5-year survival rates are lower and the risk of dying from cancer is higher compared to Caucasian. Understanding KAs’ cancer survivorship within their sociocultural context is imperative to open a venue for developing a culturally contextualized symptom management intervention.  

Methods: The grounded theory method outlined this study design. Twenty KA cancer survivors participated in this study using a theoretical and purposive sampling technique. Cancer survivors were contacted through Korean community churches in Southern California. Two sets of semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted in Korean language. All interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed.   
Data Analysis/Evaluation: Data analysis was systematic and proceeded through open coding, axial coding, as well as, the theoretical sampling process utilizing a constant comparative technique. In order to capture culture-specific expressions or concepts and to abstract the contextual nuance of Korean language, the first level of analytic process was done in Korean language. From the axial coding process, Korean codes and translated English codes underwent the analytic process simultaneously via constant contextual comparison between Korean and English.
 

Findings/Implications: Major themes showed a theoretical explanation on what KA cancer survivors experienced everyday within their sociocultural context. Expressed subjective symptoms were intertwined with their traditional beliefs from Korean culture. In addition, being a minority jeopardized adequate and efficient follow-up care. The findings of this study suggested some strategies to develop culturally competent cares for KA cancer survivors.  

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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)