Support For Survivors Research Articles

Prevalence and Determinants of Return to Work as a Patient-Centered Outcome in Survivors of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

Employment is an important indicator of health and functional recovery for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors and has significant social and economic impacts. Cancer survivors treated with conventional non-HCT therapy are known to be at a higher risk of unemployment or not returning to work after completion of therapy compared with the control population. However, the literature on return-to-work challenges among HCT survivors remains limited. Here we summarize the evidence on prevalence and determinants of return-to-work challenges among HCT survivors using previously published literature. Findings from previously published research show that return to work or unemployment is a major concern among HCT survivors, especially for allogeneic HCT recipients, and prior studies have identified several modifiable risk factors associated with it. Survivors' post-HCT employment status is significantly associated with quality of life, impacting physical, emotional, social, and financial aspects of their lives. We also highlight the gaps in current knowledge such as limited information on employment outcomes of childhood, adolescent, and young adult HCT survivors; work-related challenges among employed HCT survivors; consequences of work-related challenges; and interventions to improve return to work among HCT survivors. Findings highlighted in this review make a strong case of a multidisciplinary return-to-work support for HCT survivors to properly address their needs.

Shift in survivorship care delivery.

230 Background: Survivorship care often occurs within a single visit at the end of treatment to discuss a treatment summary and/or survivorship care plan with a patient. With increased understanding of both immediate and long-term effects of cancer and cancer treatment we need to consider support for the patient from the time of diagnosis through the end of the patient’s life. In this quality improvement (QI) initiative, a team of survivorship stakeholders utilized survey and focus group methodology to develop a set of recommendations to support a large, academic medical center in a rural setting to move toward this holistic notion of survivorship care. Methods: Surveys regarding experience with survivorship care were deployed to oncology providers, allied health providers, and patients and care partners. Surveys were deployed via a web-based survey tool using email groups and lists developed by the oncology department, as well as printed handouts with the survey URL and a QR code available to patients during clinic visits. A focus group was conducted with oncology APPs to discuss findings and to develop recommendations to support survivorship care delivery. Results: Responses received from 59 patients, 20 care partners, 24 allied health providers, and 19 providers. Over half (52.6%) of patients and care partners indicated that survivorship services were “very important” to their care, with less than 10 respondents (11.5%) indicating that they were “not at all important.” Providers indicated that they do discuss and/or provide survivorship support to their patients (84.2% of respondents), but almost 80% indicated that they were only somewhat knowledgeable (36.8%) or not knowledgeable at all (42.1%) about survivorship services available to patients and care partners. Both allied health and providers indicated that documenting survivorship care was complex. Only 12.5% of providers indicated that patients had a formal survivorship visit; instead, providers indicated that survivorship care is incorporated into routine follow-up visits (75%) and/or active treatment visits (50%). Both allied health (60.0%) and providers (69.2%) indicated that documentation, if done at all, was entered through a free text note. Many acknowledged that this made data tracking, whether for continuity of care or program analysis purposes, labor-intensive. Conclusions: This QI initiative revealed the need for two supportive mechanisms to facilitate the shift from survivorship care that’s limited to a dedicated visit type or tied to a specific document to survivorship care that is woven into all aspects of a patient’s treatment and life beyond treatment. The first mechanism is a robust set of informational resources to ensure providers are knowledgeable about the services that are available to their patients and the referral mechanisms for those services. The second is a mechanism within the EHR to allow survivorship notes to be entered into any visit type and be extracted easily from the system.

Bearing Witness as a Process for Responding to Trauma Survivors: A Review.

Bearing witness is a means for trauma survivors to give voice to lived experience. Bearing witness has been used in national and international commissions, inquiries, and tribunals to hear directly from survivors of abuse and trauma. This scoping review examines the documented research on the experience of survivors of trauma bearing witness. In 2021, six electronic data bases were searched-EBSCO, Informit, CINHAL, Clarivate, ProQuest, and Sage-and a search of the gray literature, revealed 1,201 references for studies between 1990 and 2021. After applying the Arksey and O'Malley framework, 21 studies that met inclusion criteria were identified. The inclusion criteria focused on studies where survivors expressed their views on bearing witness to trauma in official processes inclusive of public or private testimony, verbal or written. These studies utilized a range of methodologies and designs that represented the perspectives of 3,192 survivors of trauma who had borne witness. Analysis of the studies resulted in key findings under four themes: healing versus re-traumatization, support and safety of survivors, engaging and involving survivors, and culture and context. The literature indicates that bearing witness is a critical means to give voice to survivors of trauma and to provide them with acknowledgment; however, the literature is inconclusive regarding the impact of bearing witness on survivors. More research is required to better understand how survivors can best benefit and be supported by processes of bearing witness, and not be harmed or re-traumatized.

The other COVID-19 survivors: Timing, duration, and health impact of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Aims and ObjectivesTo determine the frequency, timing, and duration of post‐acute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (PASC) and their impact on health and function.BackgroundPost‐acute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is an emerging major public health problem that is poorly understood and has no current treatment or cure. PASC is a new syndrome that has yet to be fully clinically characterised.DesignDescriptive cross‐sectional survey (n = 5163) was conducted from online COVID‐19 survivor support groups who reported symptoms for more than 21 days following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.MethodsParticipants reported background demographics and the date and method of their covid diagnosis, as well as all symptoms experienced since onset of covid in terms of the symptom start date, duration, and Likert scales measuring three symptom‐specific health impacts: pain and discomfort, work impairment, and social impairment. Descriptive statistics and measures of central tendencies were computed for participant demographics and symptom data.ResultsParticipants reported experiencing a mean of 21 symptoms (range 1–93); fatigue (79.0%), headache (55.3%), shortness of breath (55.3%) and difficulty concentrating (53.6%) were the most common. Symptoms often remitted and relapsed for extended periods of time (duration M = 112 days), longest lasting symptoms included the inability to exercise (M = 106.5 days), fatigue (M = 101.7 days) and difficulty concentrating, associated with memory impairment (M = 101.1 days). Participants reported extreme pressure at the base of the head, syncope, sharp or sudden chest pain, and “brain pressure” among the most distressing and impacting daily life.ConclusionsPost‐acute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection can be characterised by a wide range of symptoms, many of which cause moderate‐to‐severe distress and can hinder survivors' overall well‐being.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThis study advances our understanding of the symptoms of PASC and their health impacts.

Support for adult survivors of lymphoma: a literature review.

After the completion of chemotherapy, survivors of lymphoma are at risk of developing late effects of their cancer treatment, which can negatively impact their quality of life. Despite the recommendations for support after active treatment ceases, there is a recognised risk that survivors' needs may not be met. To review the existing literature surrounding professional support in survivorship to establish whether people's needs are being met. A literature review and thematic analysis of 22 primary research articles. Specialist support and primary care involvement were identified as the two main themes of professional support. Provider-related barriers and individual differences impact the effectiveness of the available support in survivorship. Following guidelines and understanding an individual's personal needs following treatment will help to ensure that survivors receive the right support. Further research with survivors of lymphoma is required to improve outcomes in the future.

Traumatic brain injury epidemiology and rehabilitation in Ireland: a protocol paper.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In Ireland, a dearth of research means that we neither know the number of people affected by TBI, nor have the required data to improve neuro-rehabilitation services. This is a study protocol to examine the epidemiology and pathways through rehabilitation for a cohort of TBI survivors in the Republic of Ireland. Aims: 1. To document the epidemiological data of TBIs in Ireland. 2. To explore the pathway of TBI survivors through rehabilitation/health services. 3. To document the experiences of those providing care for TBI survivors in Ireland Methods: This is a quantitative cohort study. Existing routine datasets will be used to report epidemiological data. Participants with moderate or severe TBI will be recruited through two brain injury service providers, two acute hospitals that provide neurosurgical services, and the National Rehabilitation Hospital. Participants with TBI will be surveyed on two separate occasions, to explore their use of health and rehabilitation services. Those providing care or support to TBI survivors will be surveyed, on one occasion. Additionally, data from the medical records of TBI survivors will be extracted to capture key information about their TBI, such as mechanism of injury, severity, hospitalisation and follow-up. TBI survivors' use of health care will be followed prospectively for six months. Expected outcomes: The epidemiological data of TBI in Ireland will be documented. Data on survivors' experiences of how rehabilitation services are accessed, and any barriers encountered with rehabilitation/health services will be reported. The experiences of those providing care or support for TBI survivors will be captured. It is expected that the outcomes of the study will support advocacy efforts toward the redevelopment of neuro-rehabilitation services in the Republic of Ireland.

Developing a Provincial Surveillance and Support System for Childhood Cancer Survivors: Multiphase User-Centered Design Study.

BackgroundSurvivors of childhood cancer are at lifelong risk of morbidity (such as new cancers or heart failure) and premature mortality due to their cancer treatment. These are termed late effects. Therefore, they require lifelong, risk-tailored surveillance. However, most adult survivors of childhood cancer do not complete recommended surveillance tests such as mammograms or echocardiograms.ObjectiveIn partnership with survivors, family physicians, and health system partners, we are designing a provincial support system for high-priority tests informed by principles of implementation science, behavioral science, and design thinking.MethodsOur multiphase process was structured as follows. Step 1 consisted of a qualitative study to explore intervention components essential to accessing surveillance tests. Step 2 comprised a workshop with childhood cancer survivors, family physicians, and health system stakeholders that used the Step 1 findings and “personas” (a series of fictional but data-informed characters) to develop and tailor the intervention for different survivor groups. Step 3 consisted of intervention prototype development, and Step 4 involved iterative user testing.ResultsThe qualitative study of 30 survivors and 7 family physicians found a high desire for information on surveillance for late effects. Respondents indicated that the intervention should help patients book appointments when they are due in addition to providing personalized information. Insights from the workshop included the importance of partnering with both family physicians and survivorship clinics and providing emotional support for survivors who may experience distress upon learning of their risk for late effects. In our user-testing process, prototypes went through iterations that incorporated feedback from users regarding acceptability, usability, and functionality. We sought to address the needs of survivors and physicians while balancing the capacity and infrastructure available for a lifelong intervention via our health system partners.ConclusionsIn partnership with childhood cancer survivors, family physicians, and health system partners, we elucidated the barriers and enablers to accessing guideline-recommended surveillance tests and designed a multifaceted solution that will support survivors and their family physicians. The next step is to evaluate the intervention in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial.

Identification of Social Support and Knowledge of Covid-19 Survivors with Structural Equation Modeling in R

COVID-19 cases in Indonesia have finally reached a second peak amounting to 4 million cases. A number of the death rate was 3.4 percent, yet the recovery rate was 95.9 percent. The Health Ministry of Republic Indonesia through the Covid-19 Task Force has issued guidelines for preventing and controlling Covid-19 to decrease the death rate and increase the recovery rate. According to the guidelines, a person who undergoes quarantine needs to be provided with health care, and social and psychosocial support. This study seeks to identify the influence of external factors including social support, as well as internal factors including patient motivation, and knowledge on the recovery rate of Covid-19 survivors. The research methods use Structural Equation Modelling to determine the indicators that have the most significant influence on the latent variables of social support, knowledge, and motivation for healing Covid-19. Primary data collection was carried out online with a sample of 176 Covid-19 survivors across Indonesia in August 2021. The methods of the Shapiro-Wilk test for normal multivariate show the p-value at 0.00 significantly satisfies the assumption. The result shows that social support has a significant effect on knowledge with a regression coefficient is 0.263. Knowledge has a regression coefficient is 0.645 for the Healing of Covid-19. In conclusion, the higher social support provided by the patient's external parties: family, surrounding environment, and public health center officers, will impact the higher patient's knowledge and healing of Covid-19 disease. Meanwhile, social support has no significant effect on healing actions.

Multiyear, Multisectoral Training Program in Kenya to Enhance Medical-Legal Processes in Response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) leads to severe sequelae for individuals and communities. Lack of cross-sector coordination inhibits effective medical-legal support and justice for survivors. Multisectoral trainings for health, legal, and law enforcement professionals on survivor-centered SGBV care were conducted in Kenya during 2012-2018. Evaluation utilized objective structured clinical examinations, standardized patients, knowledge assessments, and interviews. A total of 446 professionals participated in 18 trainings. Mean knowledge scores increased from 75.6% to 84.7% (p < .001). Thirty interviews revealed improved survivor confidentiality, increased specialized hospital care, more comprehensive forensic care, and greater cross-sector collaboration. Participants reported survivors feeling more comfortable pursuing legal action and increased perpetrator convictions.

Integration of domestic violence services into the health care system: Which model does Vietnam select?

Domestic violence (DV) is a significant health problem. Integration of domestic health services into the health system is essential, and many models of integration DV services into the health system exist. In this paper, we discuss the types of integration models/levels of DV services into the health system, and how DV services integrate into the health system in Vietnam. The system - level model of integration in Vietnam was also reported. However, the current health system model only focuses on secondary prevention or supportive care once violence has occurred. The health system has not oriented to primary prevention or long - term support. The three themes that delayed the implementation DV services within the current health system include lack of clinical care pathway for DV survivors, limited services delivery, and a weak referral network. In addition, the social work service for domestic violence within the health system is still inadequate. It is recommended that a clear clinical care pathway for DV survivors should be established, health workers should be trained on DV screening and referrals, and the health system should collaborate with other supported services (within and between the health system and other DV-supported services) to cover long - term support of DV survivors and also DV primary prevention.

Improving the cancer survivorship journey: Developing a survivorship care transition model for rural and underserved low risk breast and gynecologic cancer patients (511)

<b>Objectives:</b> The rapid growth of cancer survivors in the United States, in combination with oncology service workforce shortage, creates an urgent need to develop effective survivorship care models. While survivorship programs are required by the Commission on Cancer and endorsed by national cancer organizations, the evidence base supporting specific components and delivery models is still lacking, and novel approaches are especially needed in rural care settings with high concentrations of underrepresented minority populations. Our team is working to create effective and innovative cancer survivorship care models for low-risk breast and gynecologic cancer patients. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted exploratory research among low-risk breast and gynecologic cancer survivors and primary care providers to inform a subsequent intervention of navigated care transitions. We convened a Patient Advisory Board (PAB) to review a structured menu of cancer survivorship issues, including access to primary care services, compliance with screening recommendations, treatment of comorbid conditions and identified the range of desired survivorship resources. We conducted five virtual PAB meetings via ZOOM, and participants completed four surveys. In parallel, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with seven primary care providers (Family Physicians and OB/GYNs) to understand preferences of cancer survivor care transition timing and informational needs. Both PAB and Provider sessions/interviews were transcribed and coded for content and thematic analysis. <b>Results:</b> Participants in the PAB provided insight into survivorship experiences and processes to facilitate earlier care transitions. They emphasized the need to begin survivorship planning at an earlier stage of care and advocated for the creation of tailored documents relevant to the care needs of particular stages (e.g., diagnosis, definitive treatment, care transitions). Lastly, they identified other overlooked care needs, including adverse effects on sexual health. Primary care provider data aligned with PAB findings, including the need to initiate enhanced communication with the oncologists immediately following diagnosis. Additionally, providers expressed confidence in managing survivorship care based on responses to structured vignettes of breast and gynecological cancer patients. <b>Conclusions:</b> This formative research identified key factors with regard to the development of processes and informational resources necessary to support cancer survivorship care transitions among underserved and rural breast and gynecologic cancer patients. In alignment with findings from primary care providers, this model would focus on initiating survivorship support at an early stage of care, include a broad "menu" of potential patient care needs, and ensure provider training and awareness related to surveillance and referral pathways. Further research to test the feasibility of this model is underway.

Volunteer Engagement in a Stroke Self-Management Program: Qualitative Analysis of a Hybrid Team of Healthcare Providers and Trained Volunteers.

Stroke recovery is a complex, multidimensional and heterogeneous process. Volunteer engagement improves the delivery of interventions in stroke rehabilitation programs but is under-utilized due to poor role clarity and other program-related concerns. We evaluated healthcare providers’ and volunteers’ perceptions of volunteer engagement in an 8-week self-management program that provided self-management support for community-dwelling stroke survivors. Using a qualitative design, we conducted individual, semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 5 trained healthcare providers and 18 volunteers. The participants shared their experiences of supporting survivors, perceptions of volunteer engagement, and areas of improvement to optimize volunteer support. Three main themes and six subthemes emerged: bilateral exchange between healthcare providers/volunteers and survivors; adoption of individualized approaches; and suggestions for optimizing volunteer contributions. Volunteer engagement can be optimized by developing well-designed programs with sufficient role clarity, strengthened collaborations with healthcare providers and adequate training. Our findings highlighted the contributions of trained volunteers in supporting stroke survivors’ self-management. Future research should evaluate the use of peer and healthcare professional volunteers in such programs and build community capacity to support stroke survivors’ recovery.

Indirect effects of social support and hope on quality of life via emotional distress among stroke survivors: A three-wave structural equation model.

ObjectivesStroke survivors are prone to functional impairments and reduced quality of life (QoL). This study examined the mediating role of social support and hope in the relationships between functional impairment, emotional distress, and QoL.MethodsA total of 188 stroke survivors in Hong Kong completed assessments on functional impairment, social support, and hope at baseline, with follow-up measurements of emotional distress at 2 months and QoL at 8 months. Structural equation modeling with bootstrapping was used to analyze the direct and indirect effects of functional impairment on emotional distress and QoL via the mediating factors of social support and hope.ResultsThe partial cascading model provided an adequate fit to the data. Functional impairment had significant negative direct effects on hope and physical QoL and social support had significant positive direct effects on hope and physical QoL. Social support had a significant positive indirect effect on physical QoL via hope and perceived stress and on psychosocial QoL via hope and depression. Functional impairment and hope had a significant negative interaction effect on perceived stress.ConclusionThe findings support a mediating role for hope in the relationship between social support and QoL in stroke survivors. The protective effect of hope on perceived stress was stronger among patients with greater functional impairment.

Potential opportunities and challenging realities: Organizations' experiences while accessing resources and advocating on behalf of survivors of domestic violence in Ghana

Using focus group discussion with participants from 4 NGOs in Ghana that focus on anti-domestic violence advocacy and survivor and victims support work, this research takes a closer look at the experiences organizations have while accessing government supported available institutional resources. Findings suggest that while legislation has indeed created the space for women's rights in Ghana, the pathways towards justice in both the north and the south are thwarted by an underfunded and poorly managed bureaucracy, complicated by an overall patriarchal attitude. There is thus a need to increase gender sensitivity training among all ranks and sections of government institutions and bureaucracy. Research findings also suggest a need for increased funding and the establishment of a well-organized network between survivors, organizations and various government departments and legal aid to create efficient networks that facilitate faster reporting, communication, and delivery of justice. More importantly, research participant directed policy recommendations suggest a renewed attempt to strengthening existing laws, the creation of an easily accessible survivor support fund that involves less bureaucratic navigation and a goal towards building self-efficacy and skills, and an institutional process that involves survivors in policy planning and implementation.

Nutrition support and intervention preferences of cancer survivors.

Ascertaining cancer survivors' specific needs and preferences regarding nutrition information delivery is important in developing and designing future health interventions in oncology. The present study aimed to explore the nutrition information needs of cancer survivors and their preferences regarding intervention delivery. The present study is a mixed-methods study comprising a cross-sectional survey and focus groups. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they were aged ≥ 18 years, living in Ireland with a cancer diagnosis and had completed treatment at least 6 months previously. Cancer support centres promoted the online survey on social media. Focus groups were conducted with 20 individuals. The cohort (n = 56) was predominantly female (n = 50; 89.3%) breast cancer survivors (n = 42; 75%). Seven (12.5%) had received nutrition advice from a dietitian. Most were interested in receiving nutrition advice (n = 52; 92.9%), with variability in delivery mode. There was interest in improving sleep quality (n = 35; 62.5%), making positive lifestyle changes (n = 28; 50%) and accessing cancer-specific physical activity classes (n = 27; 48.2%). The best time to deliver information was throughout the cancer journey (n = 31; 55.4%). Time and motivation (n = 15; 26.8%) were the main barriers. Facilitators were keeping healthy (n = 42; 75%) and weight maintenance (n = 31; 55.4%). Four themes emerged from thematic analysis: lack of nutrition guidance, an abundance of misinformation, one size does not fit all and dietitians as the preferred source of advice. There is a desire for evidence-based nutrition advice and for dietitians to be integrated into cancer clinics and cancer survivorship care. This research guides future nutrition interventions to improve cancer survivorship outcomes.

On Social Networks, Anonymous Testimonies, and Other Tools of Feminist Activism against Sexual Violence in Egypt

On Social Networks, Anonymous Testimonies, and Other Tools of Feminist Activism against Sexual Violence in Egypt

Supporting LGBTQA+ peoples’ recovery from sexual orientation and gender identity and expression change efforts

ABSTRACT Objective This paper reports on a critical survivor-driven study exploring how Australian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and asexual (LGBTQA+) adults attempt recovery from religious Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Change Efforts (SOGIECE), and what supports they find useful in this process. The study privileged the critical communal lens of self-titled survivors of perspectives through its reference group, and applied Bronfenbrenner’s psycho-social lens, in an effort to ensure research used by psychologists was for and with survivors rather than on them. Method Qualitative data on SOGIECE survivor experiences and perspectives was collected using two focus groups and interviews including a total of 35 Australian SOGIECE survivors aged 18+ years. Results Findings suggested that post-SOGIECE recoveries were more successful if survivors experience three provisions: people who are affirming with whom to be freely themselves – especially health and mental health practitioners, family and friends, and survivor support groups; considerable time and internal motivation to enable support to be effective; and conflicting aspects of identities and beliefs are reconciled in ways that foreground survivors’ autonomy in their reconstruction. Conclusions SOGIECE survivors need recovery plans that consider complexities at all levels of their ecology of development; and diversify their exposure to affirming supports and ideas at all levels. Mental health practitioners should be especially careful to foreground survivors’ autonomy in therapies, recalling that they likely experienced past abusive therapies/therapy dynamics. Key Points What is already known about this topic: People exposed to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Change Efforts (SOGIECE) are at increased risk for many mental health conditions. People exposed to SOGIECE are at increased risk of self-harm and suicide. SOGIECE survivors need distinct treatment considerations distinguishing ‘pathology’ from SOGIECE’s ‘negative effects’, and challenging past social conformity-drives. What this topic adds: SOGIECE survivors need community (re)building aid in their recovery confluent with their own faith goals and avoiding conformity with therapists’ (faith-negative/faith-positive) ideals. SOGIECE survivors need considerable time and different phases in recovery processes, to do developmental work discussing and reconciling dualities in identities, beliefs and social (re)engagements. Support approaches and resources closely aligned to SOGIECE survivors’ presented identities were emphasised for the initial recovery decision-making, these could later vary more across treatment.

Mental health symptoms one year after acute COVID-19 infection: Prevalence and risk factors.

IntroductionEmerging evidence suggests that mental health symptoms in COVID-19 survivors are higher than expected, possibly indicating that such symptoms are more likely to develop post-infection than just persist as a residual component of the acute phase. It is thus imperative to investigate the potential development of a post-COVID mental health syndrome in the longer-term and identify its risk factors.Material and methodsA prospective study investigated mental health symptoms associated with COVID-19 and its determinants over a 12-month period following the disease onset in all consecutive adult inpatients and outpatients with COVID-19 attending a tertiary referral hospital from March to May 2020.ResultsA total of 479 patients (female, 52.6%) were followed-up for 12 months after COVID-19 onset. Of them, 47.2% were still presenting with at least one symptom. While most symptoms subsided as compared to COVID-19 onset (all p < 0.001), a significant increase was observed only for symptoms of psychiatric disorders (10.2%) and lack of concentration and focus (20%; all p < 0.001). Patients presenting with symptoms related to multiple body systems 12 months after contracting COVID-19 (all p ≤ 0.034) were more likely to suffer from mental health domain-related symptoms at follow-up. Also, a higher risk of presenting with lack of concentration and focus 12 months post infection was found in those suffering of psychiatric symptoms at COVID-19 onset (p = 0.005).ConclusionsFindings of this study may have important public health implications, as they underlie the increased need for mental health support in COVID-19 survivors.

Are empathy profiles and perceived social support associated with depressive and grief-related symptoms in suicide survivors?

To investigate the link between empathy, perceived social support, and depressive and grieving symptoms in suicide survivors. Scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and the Social Support section of the Interpersonal Questionnaire were collected from 265 survivors. Relations were tested via multivariate regression models. Lower Perspective Taking (PT) was related with higher levels of BDI score, and higher Personal Distress (PD) was associated with higher BDI, ICG, and PGD scores. Higher levels of Social Support were related with higher BDI and ICG (but not PGD) scores. Empathic PD and PT, and perceived social support are differently associated with depression and grief-related symptoms. Empathy-focused psychotherapies and empowerment of social support may reduce symptoms in suicide survivors.

Structural Racism and Cancer: Calls to Action for Cancer Researchers to Address Racial/Ethnic Cancer Inequity in the United States.

As leaders with the American Society of Preventive Oncology (ASPO) Cancer Health Disparities Special Interest Group, we describe the role of structural racism in perpetuating cancer health inequity historically, and potential implications of COVID-19 in exacerbating the effects of structural racism on patients with cancer seeking screening, diagnostic care, treatment, and survivorship support. As a strategy to reduce cancer inequities in the United States, we provide the following calls to action for cancer researchers to help alleviate the burden of structural racism: (i) identify and name structural racism while describing its operation within all aspects of scientific research; (ii) comprehensively integrate discussions on structural racism into teaching, mentoring, and service activities; and (iii) understand and support community actions to address structural racism.