Abstract A72: A qualitative examination of the quality of life of African American prostate cancer survivors and their spouses

Abstract

Abstract Few research studies have comprehensively examined the psychosocial issues experienced by African American prostate cancer survivors and their spouses, in spite of the disproportionate impact of this disease. The primary goal of this exploratory study was to identify the most salient psychosocial related dimensions of quality of life, as self-reported by African American prostate cancer survivors and their spouses. Twelve African American couples were recruited to participate in an individual interview from a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center cancer registry and a state-based non-profit organization. The interview guide was structured according to Betty Ferrell's Quality of Life Conceptual Model. The interview transcripts were analyzed using a combination of hand coding and Atlas.ti software. Content analysis was conducted using an immersion/crystallizing analysis plan. Common themes regarding the psychosocial needs of African American couples based on the behavioral, social, psychological, and spiritual domains emerged. Divergent perspectives were identified between the male prostate cancer survivors and their female spouses. A focus on cancer survivorship and quality of life is a growing priority. This study of African American couples surviving prostate cancer highlights the need for more in-depth investigations of psychosocial issues. Furthermore, different perspectives between African American patients and their spouses were identified, highlighting the need for couple-centered interventions. The findings of this study will assist in the development and testing of culturally appropriate community education resources and interventions to minimize the impact of the burden of prostate cancer treatment among African Americans. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A72.