“Like pouring salt in a wound”: A qualitative exploration of the consequences of unmet housing needs for cancer patients and survivors in New York City

Abstract

Objective To identify consequences of unmet housing needs in the period following cancer diagnosis. Design Qualitative descriptive design. Participants New York City-based cancer patients and survivors (n = 21) who reported experience of unmet housing needs while receiving cancer treatment. Key informants (n = 9) with relevant expertise (e.g. oncology social workers). Methods One-time semi-structured telephone or in-person interviews were conducted with all participants. Inductive thematic coding was conducted using a pragmatic paradigm. Findings Four categories of consequences emerged: 1) cancer management and health (rest and recovery, illness/injury risk, medical care); 2) psychological (stress and anxiety, lack of control and independence, self-esteem/pride, sadness/depression, cancer coping); 3) social (relationships, consequences for others, isolation); and 4) standard of functional living. Conclusion The simultaneous experience of cancer and unmet housing needs is broadly burdensome. Implications for Psychosocial Providers Screening and resources for addressing unmet housing needs must be prioritized to holistically care for patients.