Open AccessExperiences of Advanced Breast Cancer Among Latina Immigrants: A Qualitative Pilot Study
Author(s) -
Johanna Glaser,
Yvette Z. Coulter,
Ariana ThompsonLastad,
Lisabeth Castro-Smyth,
Elina Serrano,
Shelley R. Adler
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of immigrant and minority health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.758
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1557-1920
pISSN - 1557-1912
DOI - 10.1007/s10903-020-01069-4
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , qualitative research , language barrier , immigration , breast cancer , socioeconomic status , social support , medicine , coping (psychology) , family medicine , public health , nursing , context (archaeology) , gerontology , psychology , cancer , clinical psychology , population , social psychology , sociology , social science , linguistics , philosophy , environmental health , archaeology , paleontology , biology , history
To explore the experiences of Latina immigrants with advanced breast cancer and their support networks. We conducted semi-structured interviews with low-income Latina immigrants with advanced breast cancer and their support networks (informal caregivers, physicians, and complementary medicine (CM) practitioners). Patient interviews explored patients' illness experience and end of life (EOL) concerns. Support network member interviews focused on the relationship of the interviewee with the patient and EOL conversations. Six authors independently coded transcripts and jointly conducted qualitative thematic analysis. 72 total interviews (13 patients, 12 informal caregivers, 6 CM practitioners, and 4 physicians) revealed two themes. (1) Staying positive was a primary patient coping mechanism. (2) Patients' language barriers and socioeconomic and immigration status posed challenges in participants' illness experience. Appropriately addressing language barriers and social context during medical visits is crucial for effective EOL care. Clinicians should consider patients' financial constraints and ensure support in applying for public benefits.