Catherine A Marshall1, Melissa A Curran2, Susan Silverberg Koerner3, Karen L Weihs4, Amy C Hickman5, Francisco A R García6. 1. Center of Excellence in Women's Health, and Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA. 2. Family Studies and Human Development, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA. 3. Department of Human and Community Development, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA. 4. Psychosocial Oncology Program, University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, USA. 5. Department of English, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA. 6. Pima County Health Department, Tucson, AZ, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The development and evaluation of Un Abrazo Para La Familia, [A Hug for the Family] is described. Un Abrazo is discussed as an effective model of education, information-sharing, and skill-building for use with low-income co-survivors of cancer. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty co-survivors participated. The majority were women and all reported being Hispanic. METHODS: Using quantitative data (N=60), the needs, concerns, and characteristics of the co-survivor population served through Un Abrazo are presented. Further, we offer three qualitative case studies (with one co-survivor, one survivor, and one non-participant) to illustrate the model and its impact. RESULTS: The median level of education level of co-survivors was 12 years. The majority were unemployed and/or identified as homemakers, and indicated receipt of services indicating low-income status. Half reported not having health insurance. The top four cancer-related needs or concerns were: Information, Concern for another person, Cost/health insurance, and Fears. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing the centrality of the family in addressing cancer allows for a wider view of the disease and the needs that arise during and after treatment. Key rehabilitation strategies appropriate for intervening with co-survivors of cancer include assessing and building upon strengths and abilities and making culturally-respectful cancer-related information and support accessible.
OBJECTIVE: The development and evaluation of Un AbrazoPara La Familia, [A Hug for the Family] is described. Un Abrazo is discussed as an effective model of education, information-sharing, and skill-building for use with low-income co-survivors of cancer. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty co-survivors participated. The majority were women and all reported being Hispanic. METHODS: Using quantitative data (N=60), the needs, concerns, and characteristics of the co-survivor population served through Un Abrazo are presented. Further, we offer three qualitative case studies (with one co-survivor, one survivor, and one non-participant) to illustrate the model and its impact. RESULTS: The median level of education level of co-survivors was 12 years. The majority were unemployed and/or identified as homemakers, and indicated receipt of services indicating low-income status. Half reported not having health insurance. The top four cancer-related needs or concerns were: Information, Concern for another person, Cost/health insurance, and Fears. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing the centrality of the family in addressing cancer allows for a wider view of the disease and the needs that arise during and after treatment. Key rehabilitation strategies appropriate for intervening with co-survivors of cancer include assessing and building upon strengths and abilities and making culturally-respectful cancer-related information and support accessible.
Authors: Mika Niemelä; Catherine A Marshall; Thilo Kroll; Melissa Curran; Susan Silverberg Koerner; Sami Räsänen; Francisco García Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2016-05-19 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Catherine A Marshall; Melissa A Curran; Susan Silverberg Koerner; Thilo Kroll; Amy C Hickman; Francisco García Journal: J Cancer Educ Date: 2014-12 Impact factor: 2.037
Authors: Catherine A Marshall; Melissa A Curran; Gail Brownmiller; Ambar Solarte; Julie Armin; Heidi A Hamann; Janice D Crist; Mika Niemelä; Terry A Badger; Karen L Weihs Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2018-08-15 Impact factor: 3.894