Karen Kane McDonnell1, Otis L Owens2, DeAnne K Hilfinger Messias3, Sue P Heiney3, Daniela B Friedman4, Callie Campbell3, Lisa A Webb5. 1. College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, 1601 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208-4001, USA. Electronic address: karenkm@mailbox.sc.edu. 2. College of Social Work, Core Faculty, Statewide Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, College of Social Work, Hamilton College, 1512 Pendleton St., Columbia, SC, 29208, USA. 3. College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, 1601 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208-4001, USA. 4. Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, Core Faculty, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Suite 557, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA. 5. College of Nursing, University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie Campus, East Campus, P.O. Box 1337, 807 Hampton St., Walterboro, SC, 29488, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Behavioral interventions targeting cancer survivors often fail to address the clustering of unhealthy behaviors among family members and friends, and the impact of close relationships on behavior change. The study's aim was to identify factors associated with receptivity and preferences for lifestyle behavior change among family members of African-American survivors of lung cancer. METHODS: Principles of social cognitive theory guided the design. A descriptive, qualitative study recruited 26 African-American family members of lung cancer survivors from two teaching hospitals in the southeastern United States. A 20-item Information Form collected demographic, health status, and health behavior information. Family members participated in one of three semi-structured focus group discussions. RESULTS: Four major themes emerged: family members and survivors both resisted the caregiver role; dramatic changes evoked by the diagnosis of lung cancer were facilitators and barriers to lifestyle choices; leaning on faith was the primary source of support; and these families live with a constant threat of multiple cancers. Findings emphasize the importance of meaningful conversations among health-care providers, survivors, and family members during the time of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, so that family members are better prepared to cope with anticipated changes. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the stressors that affect family members and sheds light on their unique needs. The stressors limit their ability to change health behaviors. Family members need basic education, skills training, and support related to the lung cancer diagnosis and other cancers. Current methods to provide these services are limited in their accessibility, availability, and effectiveness.
PURPOSE: Behavioral interventions targeting cancer survivors often fail to address the clustering of unhealthy behaviors among family members and friends, and the impact of close relationships on behavior change. The study's aim was to identify factors associated with receptivity and preferences for lifestyle behavior change among family members of African-American survivors of lung cancer. METHODS: Principles of social cognitive theory guided the design. A descriptive, qualitative study recruited 26 African-American family members of lung cancer survivors from two teaching hospitals in the southeastern United States. A 20-item Information Form collected demographic, health status, and health behavior information. Family members participated in one of three semi-structured focus group discussions. RESULTS: Four major themes emerged: family members and survivors both resisted the caregiver role; dramatic changes evoked by the diagnosis of lung cancer were facilitators and barriers to lifestyle choices; leaning on faith was the primary source of support; and these families live with a constant threat of multiple cancers. Findings emphasize the importance of meaningful conversations among health-care providers, survivors, and family members during the time of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, so that family members are better prepared to cope with anticipated changes. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the stressors that affect family members and sheds light on their unique needs. The stressors limit their ability to change health behaviors. Family members need basic education, skills training, and support related to the lung cancer diagnosis and other cancers. Current methods to provide these services are limited in their accessibility, availability, and effectiveness.
Authors: Karen Kane McDonnell; David G Gallerani; Brandi R Newsome; Otis L Owens; Jenay Beer; Amanda R Myren-Bennett; Elizabeth Regan; James W Hardin; Lisa A Webb Journal: Integr Cancer Ther Date: 2020 Jan-Dec Impact factor: 3.279