Explaining psychosocial
and behavioral outcomes in childhood cancer survivors: A comparison of
Latino and non-Latino survivors
Questions remain regarding explanations for psychosocial and behavioral
outcomes among young adult survivors of childhood cancer, and particularly
among ethnic minority survivors.
The intent of this work is to use a vigorous and systematic qualitative
methodology to examine how childhood cancer survivors explain the impact
of cancer on their lives. The focus of this work is on positive outcomes
(perceived benefits and personal growth), negative psychosocial sequelae
(depression, anxiety, somatic distress), and the adoption of health risk
or health promoting behaviors (tobacco/alcohol use, sexual practices,
cancer screening/protections, healthy diet, regular physician check-ups).
Special attention is given to how survivors link their attitudes and beliefs
about health and illness to current health practices.
The aims of this study are:
1. To assess and compare psychosocial health status and health behavior
outcomes and their correlates for Latino and non-Latino survivors of childhood
cancer.
2. To identify and compare trends among survivors that are indicative
of positive outcomes, personal growth or perceived benefits attributable
to cancer.
3. To elicit and compare descriptions and explanations from survivors
as to how and why cancer has affected and/or continues to affect their
lives. Particular attention is given to the role that attitudes, values,
and beliefs play in their relation to psychosocial and behavioral outcomes.
Understanding how and why people respond and behave as a
result of having had cancer is fundamental to designing appropriate and
effective interventions.
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