Perspectives Of Survivors Research Articles

Perspectives of Childhood Cancer Survivors as Young Adults: a Qualitative Study of Illness Education Resources and Unmet Information Needs.

This study investigates the resources used by childhood cancer survivors (CCS) to learn about their cancer histories and evaluates if CCS feel these resources prepare them to manage their health needs as young adults. Young adult participants (aged 18-30 years) were diagnosed with cancer at ≤ 10 years and recruited by word of mouth and from social media and/or non-profit organizations and completed semi-structured interviews. A descriptive thematic analysis guided by an essentialist/realist paradigm combined inductive and deductive approaches to identify key themes. Fourteen participants were interviewed, and six key themes were identified: (1) CCS are aware of general cancer history (age at diagnosis, treating hospital, cancer type), (2) CCS are unaware of treatment regimen (medications and duration), (3) CCS want to learn more about their treatment regimens and (4) potential late effects of treatment, (5) CCS use diverse resources to learn about their cancer histories and potential late effects, and (6) survivors' interests to learn about their cancer histories change over time. Limited knowledge of their cancer treatments leaves some CCS unprepared to manage their health needs as young adults or to address potential risk of late effects. CCS recognize their limited knowledge, but the resources available to them fall short of their information needs. Identifying the shortcomings of resources used by CCS provides evidence for how resources need to be improved to meet survivors' cancer education needs.

The consequences of government measures in Palestine to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on gender-based violence

Purpose In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries, including Palestine, implemented lockdown rules. These measures slowed the outbreak of the coronavirus, and because of the poor management of the Palestinian government in dealing with women’s rights in light of the Corona pandemic, they contributed to increasing gender-based violence (GBV). Design/methodology/approach The study used the qualitative method. An inductive thematic latent content analysis was applied using the MAXQDA 2020 program throughout the data collection stage. The content analysis in this study focused on interviews made with the survivors. The interview schedule consisted of four questions covering different aspects of knowledge around GBV during COVID-19 in the Gaza Strip. In-depth interviews were conducted in Arabic with 25 survivors who experienced GBV between January 17 and March 13, 2022. Findings The results show that the kind of violence the survivors were most subjected to is psychological violence, followed by economic violence, and the least kind of violence that the survivors were subjected to was sexual violence. The study revealed the good practices for preventing and combating violence against Palestinian women and girls due to government measures to reduce COVID-19 from the perspective of survivors. Research limitations/implications One of the limitations of this study was the small number of cases coming to the Aisha Association for support. Because of the temporary suspension of psychological and social support projects from the foundation due to a problem related to funding, some survivors also fear that their husbands will discover that they have participated in the study, so they hesitate to agree to an interview. Survivors’ lack of understanding of the study question related to implications of closing social justice institutions due to COVID-19 on GBV? This led to conflicting answers. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first study in Palestine that dealt Consequences of Government Measures in Palestine to Mitigate COVID-19 on GBV, and its results will be important for the protection of survivors and the adoption of government policies in Palestine.

QOL-12. “I’M JUST LIKE A BASKET FULL OF PROBLEMS”: QUALITATIVE STUDY OF COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN GLIOMA SURVIVORS

Abstract For glioma survivors, cognitive impairment can be a central determinant of quality of life, but we need better understanding of their unique challenges and supportive care needs. In this qualitative study, we aimed to explore the post-treatment experiences of cognitive and functional challenges and their impact on quality of life from the perspectives of glioma survivors. Glioma survivors in an observational study were invited to participate in an in-depth qualitative interview. Using a semi-structured interview guide, interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach to develop key themes to inform clinical practice. Participants (n=9) ranged in age from 29 to 72 years, and were at least 4 years post-diagnosis. Under the overarching survivorship theme, three key themes were developed. The first theme, “Learning what my brain can and can’t handle,” centered on functional challenges related to cognitive impairments, including difficulties at work and managing home and family responsibilities. In response, participants described generating their own strategies to manage cognitive limitations in daily activities. The second theme, “Such an important crossroads”, reflected the significant emotional impact of persisting impairments (e.g., frustration, disappointment, reduced self-esteem, acceptance), increased anxiety around an uncertain future, and a shift in personal values towards an increased sense of gratitude, crystalizing of intentions, and focus on things of greatest importance. The final theme, “A solid foundation of people around me”, referred to the necessity of social support, in both emotional and instrumental terms. Many expressed a desire for and appreciation of coping tools and support for the support people in their lives. Nearly all participants expressed interest in cognitive rehabilitation – whether or not they were experiencing significant cognitive problems. These findings have implications for clinical practice and can inform the development of effective patient-centered supportive care interventions in this population.

Avoiding psychological (re)traumatisation in dentistry when working with patients who are adult survivors of child sex abuse

Introduction Seven percent of the adult population in the UK, including one in six women, report unwanted sexual experiences before the age of 16. The impacts of psychological trauma following child sexual abuse (CSA) creates difficulties for many survivors in accessing dental care due to fears of reminders of abuse, the power imbalance with the dentist and triggered traumatic responses.Aims To analyse and report CSA survivor perspectives of dental care and offer suggestions for practice.Method Qualitative semi-structured interviews of 17 CSA survivors generated data as part of a broader study investigating trust and trustworthiness in survivor-professional relationships. The range of dental interactions and the needs survivors described when receiving dental treatment are presented. Transcripts were analysed using NVivo software and thematic analysis methodology.Results Three main themes were identified: the dental encounter ('it really panics me'); the opportunity to disclose; and choice and control.Conclusion This is the first UK study to present qualitative data from CSA survivors about their experiences of dental care. Survivors wish to access dental care but tailored support is needed to ameliorate reminders of abuse and traumatic stress triggers. Trauma-informed care may address difficulties with treatment if dental staff adopt flexible approaches and work collaboratively with survivors to facilitate relational safety. (Please note, in this paper, 'survivors' refers to those sexually abused as children).

Perceptions of Radiation Therapy amongst Black Female Breast Cancer Survivors in Urban Communities

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Perceptions of cancer care are impacted by many factors and differ among individuals. Patients generally want consistent support, effective communication, accessible treatments, and information to manage physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs. Black/African American cancer survivors have expressed concerns about providers ignoring the social and financial implications of cancer care and neglecting to address the generations of mistrust between minority communities and the healthcare system. There is limited information about these perceptions as they relate specifically to radiation therapy which we aim to address with this study. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Female breast cancer survivors identifying as Black/African American within the metropolitan Milwaukee area were eligible to participate in a semi-structured interview guided by a demographic questionnaire, a life narrative account, and a residential history. Participants were purposively sampled by neighborhood racial and ethnic composition (majority Black, minority Black, and racially diverse communities) to ensure a diversity of experiences. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a codebook developed and refined based on a conceptual model. Individuals worked in assigned pairs to open code each transcript. Data coded as "clinical presentation" or "treatment/healthcare" were pulled and reviewed for discussion of radiation therapy. Within these codes, further thematic analysis was performed to breakdown perceptions of this treatment modality. <h3>Results</h3> Fifty Black women were interviewed, 25 from majority, 7 from diverse, and 18 from minority communities. In discussing radiation therapy, six key themes emerged: emotional reactions, logistics of daily treatment, social barriers, side effects, general positive experiences, and general negative experiences. Emotional reactions included feelings of fear, anger, and being overwhelmed. Social barriers related to family obligations, transportation, distance from a treatment center, and racism. Commonly discussed side effects included fatigue, dermatitis, impacts on reconstruction, and long-term cardiotoxicity. Women living in majority Black communities were more likely to discuss side effects and general positive experiences while other themes were more equally explored by majority, minority, and diverse community members alike. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Black women have diverse and varied perspectives of radiation therapy during breast cancer treatment. Anticipated themes surrounding logistics, side effects, and overall emotions of treatment were observed. Unique to their experiences, Black women have faced racism and an increased burden of social barriers during their treatment. Further studies exploring the perspectives of Black female cancer survivors are needed to optimize quality of care and outcomes.

Covid-19-related ruminations: A qualitative study based on the perspectives of the cancer survivors.

Cancer survivors can develop repetitive ruminations due to the unexpected and challenging effects of Covid‐19. This qualitative descriptive design study aimed to comprehend the Covid‐19‐related ruminations from the subjective perspective of the cancer survivors (n = 33), accessed via online Facebook self‐help groups of a cancer association. A semi‐structured interview guide was used for data collection following a systematic analysis. Based on the descriptive analysis of the data, three main themes with two sub‐themes emerged, including cancer survivors’ experiences: “welcome to my life,” “cancer vs. Covid‐19,” and “fight vs. lose.” The findings suggested that cancer survivors have many ruminations about cancer and the pandemic. Their ruminations were mainly concerned with the possibility of suffering from cancer again and catching Covid‐19. Nonetheless, participants also had positive cognitions that they could overcome the pandemic as they have previously beat cancer. The findings may also offer a promising resource for nurses to understand the ruminations of cancer survivors and develop novel approaches and interventions to help cancer survivors replace their intrusive ruminations with deliberate ones.

Clinical Management of Financial Toxicity-Identifying Opportunities through Experiential Insights of Cancer Survivors, Caregivers, and Social Workers.

Perspectives of cancer survivors, caregivers, and social workers as key stakeholders on the clinical management of financial toxicity (FT) are critical to identify opportunities for better FT management. Semi-structured interviews (cancer survivors, caregivers) and a focus group (social workers) were undertaken using purposive sampling at a quaternary public hospital in Australia. People with any cancer diagnosis attending the hospital were eligible. Data were analysed using inductive-deductive content analysis techniques. Twenty-two stakeholders (n = 10 cancer survivors of mixed-cancer types, n = 5 caregivers, and n = 7 social workers) participated. Key findings included: (i) genuine concern for FT of cancer survivors and caregivers shown through practical support by health care and social workers; (ii) need for clarity of role and services; (iii) importance of timely information flow; and (iv) proactive navigation as a priority. While cancer survivors and caregivers received financial assistance and support from the hospital, the lack of synchronised, shared understanding of roles and services in relation to finance between cancer survivors, caregivers, and health professionals undermined the effectiveness and consistency of these services. A proactive approach to anticipate cancer survivors’ and caregivers’ needs is recommended. Future research may develop and evaluate initiatives to manage cancer survivors and families FT experiences and outcomes.

Identification of actions to be taken by managers to facilitate the return to work of cancer survivors: Consensus between managers and cancer survivors

BackgroundManagers are considered to be main stakeholders in the return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors. However, the perspectives of cancer survivors and managers differ on what managerial actions should be taken during the RTW of cancer survivors. This difference might put effective collaboration and successful RTW at risk. Therefore, this study aims to reach consensus among managers and cancer survivors on the managerial actions to be taken during the four different RTW phases of cancer survivors (i.e., Disclosure, Treatment, RTW plan, Actual RTW).MethodsThe Technique for Research of Information by Animation of a Group of Experts (TRIAGE) was implemented with managers and cancer survivors (hereafter referred to as “experts”). An initial list of 24 actions was derived from a previous study. Firstly, for each action, fifteen experts were asked to indicate individually how important this action is per RTW phase (Likert scale from 1 – “Not important at all” to 6 – “Very important”). Consensus was reached when ≥ 80% (i.e., ≥ twelve experts) of the experts rated that action ≥5. Secondly, for each phase of the RTW process, the 15 actions with the highest percentage were discussed with eight experts during the collective consultation, except for the actions that already reached consensus. After discussion, the experts voted whether each action was important (“yes” / “no”) and consensus required ≥ 87.5% (i.e., ≥ seven experts) of the experts to consider an action as important.ResultsTwenty-five managerial actions were finally retained for at least one of the RTW phases, e.g., Disclosure: “respect privacy” and “radiate a positive attitude”, Treatment: “show appreciation” and “allow sufficient sick leave”, RTW Plan: “tailor” and “communicate”, and Actual RTW: “support practically” and “balance interest”.ConclusionCancer survivors and managers reached consensus on the importance of 25 managerial actions, distributed into each phase of the RTW process. These actions should be considered an interplay of managerial actions by different stakeholders on the part of the employer (e.g., direct supervisor, HR-manager), and should be a responsibility that is shared by these stakeholders. The collective implementation of these actions within the company will help cancer survivors feel fully supported.

Perspectives and expectations of stroke survivors using egocentric cameras for monitoring hand function at home: a mixed methods study

Purpose Most stroke survivors have remaining upper limb impairment six months after stroke and require additional rehabilitation and help from family members to enhance their performance of daily activities. First-person (egocentric) video has been proposed to capture the activities of daily living (ADLs) of stroke survivors in order to assess their hand function at home. This study explored the experiences and expectations of stroke survivors regarding the use of egocentric cameras in daily life for rehabilitation applications. Methods Twenty-one chronic stroke survivors recruited for the study were asked to record three sessions of 1.5 h of video of their ADLs at home over two weeks. Their experiences and expectations after completing the recordings were discussed using a structured questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. The questionnaire and interview data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis, respectively. The results were further integrated using a mixed methods analysis for mutual explanation and elaboration. Results The themes generated were Camera Usability, Privacy Concerns Related to Home Recordings, Future Use of the Camera in Public, and Information Usefulness. The participants perceived that the camera was easy to use, the information obtained from the recordings was beneficial, and no major concerns about recording at home. A discreet camera and a solution to privacy issues were prerequisites to recording tasks in public. Conclusions There was high acceptance among stroke survivors regarding the use of wearable cameras for rehabilitation purposes in the future. Concerns to be managed include discomfort, self-consciousness, and the privacy of others. Implications for rehabilitation The egocentric camera was easy for the stroke survivors to use at home. However, they expressed a preference for cameras to be less noticeable and lighter in the future to minimize self-consciousness and discomfort. Expectations for future use of an egocentric camera for upper limb rehabilitation at home from the perspectives of stroke survivors included receiving feedback on their hand function in daily life and guidance on how to improve function. Privacy concerns of stroke survivors regarding recording activities of daily living were mostly avoidable by planning in advance. However, some personal hygiene tasks and virtual meetings were recorded by accident. A checklist of common activities that may raise privacy issues can be provided along with the camera to serve as a reminder to avoid these issues.

Survivor, family and professional experiences of psychosocial interventions for sexual abuse and violence: a qualitative evidence synthesis.

Survivor, family and professional experiences of psychosocial interventions for sexual abuse and violence: a qualitative evidence synthesis.

Stroke survivors’ views on their priorities for upper-limb recovery and the availability of therapy services after stroke: a longitudinal, phenomenological study

Purpose Forty percent of stroke survivors have a persistent lack of function in the upper limb, causing significant disability. Most personal-care tasks and meaningful activities require bi-manual function of both upper limbs. However, lower-limb mobility is often viewed as the priority in stroke services. Perspectives of stroke survivors on priorities for upper-limb recovery and therapy have not been investigated in detail. Therefore, this study aimed to explore their views. Materials and methods Thirteen stroke survivors each engaged in up to four semi-structured interviews over 18 months. A phenomenological approach guided the research. Results Three themes were identified. Priorities change on coming home: recovery of walking is a priority early after stroke but upper-limb recovery becomes equally important over time, particularly once living at home. Limited therapy services: therapy has a short duration, prioritizes lower-limb mobility, and is short-lived in the community; people feel abandoned by services. Active partners in recovery: stroke survivors want intermittent access to review and advice so they can be active partners with therapists to manage their upper-limb recovery. Conclusion Therapy services should recognize stroke survivors’ changing priorities and work with them as active partners in upper-limb recovery. Intermittent access to review and advice should be included in service design. Implications for rehabilitation Stroke survivors’ priorities may change over time from recovery of walking toward upper-limb recovery. Post-stroke services can be perceived as insufficient to meet the needs of stroke survivors who want to participate actively in rehabilitation of their upper limb. Stroke survivors may prefer services that are more flexible to provide regular review of their progress, access to guidance and support to self-manage their recovery.

"Calling the Spirit Back:" Spiritual Needs Among Great Plains American Indians.

American Indians (AIs) are disproportionately affected by serious illness such as cancer. Colonization, cultural genocide, and trauma have adversely affected AIs' ability to attain health and well-being, and in many cases led to the loss of the right to practice traditional ceremonies and rituals. Still many AIs describe well-being as being rooted in spirituality. The purpose of this project was to learn about the perspectives of AI cancer survivors, caregivers, and Tribal leaders and healers specific to spirituality while on the cancer journey. Qualitative interviews and Indigenous talking circle methodologies were used to explore AIs cancer survivors, caregivers, and Tribal leaders and healers' perspectives on spirituality while on the cancer journey. A data analysis team consisting of AI and non-AI members analyzed the narrative data. Qualitative analysis of interviews and talking circles revealed 4 major themes related to spirituality: the chasm of colonialism, coexistence of Traditional and Christian religions, calling the Spirit back, and prayer as sacred energy. It is critical that clinicians caring for AIs with serious illness seek to understand their patients' spiritual beliefs about disease treatment and death and work with them and their families to support quality of life throughout their illness journey. In addition, clinicians must recognize the systemic racism inherent in our healthcare systems, and dismantle cultural clashes and bias for all patients, particularly AIs, who have long suffered from poorer health outcomes.

How Helpful Is Bystander Intervention? Perspectives of Dating and Sexual Violence Survivors.

While bystander intervention education has demonstrated promise as a strategy to reduce dating and sexual violence (DSV) on campus, little is known about whether survivors on whose behalf the interventions take place find these helpful. This paper uses qualitative, in-depth interviews with 33 DSV survivors to explore their perspectives on bystander intervention. Results indicate that while some interventions were identified as helpful, especially those that provided support to the survivor, many were not helpful enough or even harmful. Further work is needed to understand the consequences of bystander action.

Dating in the Wake of Trauma and Abuse: Relationship Experiences of Individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

ABSTRACT The present qualitative study examined social media posts about dating from individuals who identify as living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). The research examined 96 posts from public online communities on Reddit from 93 adults who self-identify as having PTSD. The content of examined posts related to romantic relationships. Characteristics of community responses to these posts were also examined to gain insight into the potential benefits of online communities for individuals with PTSD and dating concerns. Thematic analysis of posts from these trauma survivors identified eight overarching themes (Closeness and Intimacy, Survivor Perspective on Partner Attributes, Communication, Space for Partner Emotions and Experiences, Perceived Barriers in Relationships, Feeling Triggered by Current Partner, Seeking Information and Community, and Relationship Dynamics and Patterns) relevant to PTSD and dating. Implications of present findings for future research and practice are discussed.

Australian inpatient cancer rehabilitation as seen by patients receiving care pre and post intervention: Insights into unmet needs in the cancer and rehabilitation journey.

The objective of this study is to explore both the negative and positive lived experiences of cancer survivors during specialist inpatient rehabilitation programmes. This phenomenological study explored the negative and positive perspectives of cancer survivors with residual disability, during their inpatient rehabilitation. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 22 inpatients on admission and discharge were analysed using the protocols of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Experiences of inpatient cancer rehabilitation were not independent of the whole cancer trajectory. Rather, for these inpatients, processing and ruminating upon challenges to self from the moment of cancer diagnosis and throughout treatments indicated that more emotional and psychosocial support may be useful throughout cancer rehabilitation and the whole cancer trajectory. Understanding the concurrent sources of psychological distress and growth in these cancer survivors as they recover from life changing events provides a unique consumer evaluation of an inpatient cancer rehabilitation service and the overall cancer experience. This study has implications for developing insight into the impact that the cancer trajectory has on the individual and reinforces the importance of a holistic approach to rehabilitation that includes a supported mind, body and spirit appreciation of healing.

Conceptual Resilience in the Language and Lives of Resilient People: Cases from Northern Uganda

ABSTRACT This special issue explores post-conflict recovery in northern Uganda from the perspective of survivors themselves. Normative notions of resilience are widely critiqued as reductive, depoliticising and simplistic. Although the papers here, based on ethnographic methodologies, are largely sympathetic to this understanding, they also suggest that consideration of resilience should not be abandoned. The papers offer insights into how communities’ experiences and strategies of resilience often diverge from the ambitions of international actors. They demonstrate that micro-level studies of real people’s experiences of post-conflict recovery allow space for wider comparative and theoretical insights to emerge.

A critical reflection upon the impact of forced displacement arising from the Ukraine crisis: a registered nurse and survivor's perspective

British Journal of Healthcare AssistantsVol. 16, No. 7 ProfessionalA critical reflection upon the impact of forced displacement arising from the Ukraine crisis: a registered nurse and survivor's perspectiveLiam Somers, Yevheniia PolitykinaLiam SomersSenior Lecturer, University of DerbySearch for more papers by this author, Yevheniia PolitykinaSearch for more papers by this authorLiam Somers; Yevheniia PolitykinaPublished Online:20 Jul 2022https://doi.org/10.12968/bjha.2022.16.7.345AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Dugin S. Fundamentals of geopolitics: the geopolitical future of Russia. London: Arktos Media; 1997 (accessed: 10 June 2022) Google ScholarHamid A. Mental health care for syrian refugees: shared realities in the context of conflict and forced displacement. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin. Psy), University College London; 2018 (accessed: 10 June 2022) Google ScholarKirkby P. Why has Russia invaded Ukraine and what does Putin want? 2022. www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56720589 (accessed: 10 June 2022) Google ScholarManning L. Homes for Ukraine: ‘It's sad, slow and frustrating’. 2022. www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60840808 (accessed: 10 June 2022) Google ScholarUK Government. Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Homes for Ukraine scheme: frequently asked questions. 2022a. www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-frequently-asked-questions (accessed: 27 June 2022) Google ScholarUK Government. The Office for Health and Disparities. Ukraine: migrant health guide. 2022b. www.gov.uk/government/publications/arrivals-from-ukraine-advice-for-primary-care/arrivals-from-ukraine-advice-for-primary-care (accessed: 10 June 2022) Google ScholarUK Government. The Office for Health and Disparities. Arrivals from Ukraine: advice for primary care. 2022c. www.gov.uk/guidance/ukraine-migrant-health-guide (accessed: 10 June 2022) Google ScholarUnited Nations. Ukraine — internal displacement report — general population survey round 4 (29 April – 3 May 2022). 2022. www.displacement.iom.int/reports/ukraine-internal-displacement-report-general-population-survey-round-4-29-april-3-may-2022 (accessed: 10 June 2022) Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 2 July 2022Volume 16Issue 7ISSN (print): 1753-1586ISSN (online): 2052-4420 Metrics History Published online 20 July 2022 Published in print 2 July 2022 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

Sexuelle Gewalt gegen Kinder und Jugendliche in der Familie

As part of the process of coming to terms/working through the past with sexual violence by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual abuse in Germany, a study was conducted on the offence context of the family. Oral and written reports from adults who were affected by and witnesses of sexual violence in childhood in the context of the family were analysed. The study was linked to previous work and discussions on social silence and ideas of violence in the family as a private matter. The findings show that the violence often started early, was accompanied by other forms of violence, and ranged from severe physical violence to manipulation without the use of physical violence. The perspectives of survivors on their experience as a child are of particular importance. They show that children depend on family members and their interpretation of boundary violations and violence. When children and young people experience violence, ideas and structures of upbringing, family and gender roles have a direct impact. A central experience of many of the survivors was that they were not taken seriously. This intertwining of family, childhood and violence has not been sufficiently researched so far. Moreover, perpetrators’ perspectives and silence often prevailed in families and institutions; even as adults, most of those affected often experienced little support and recognition.

Understanding the Suicide Phenomenon from the Perspectives of the Loss Survivors

The study is descriptive qualitative research that illustrates the circumstances and new dynamics contributing to the never-ending suicide occurrences. It described first-hand real-life experiences of the suicide-loss survivors to determine the contexts, reasons, and implications of suicide and recommend community-based intervention strategies. Purposive-criterion and convenient sampling methods were used to determine the respondents. Focused group discussion and in-depth interviews were conducted to gather data analyzed using Braun &amp; Clarke’s six-phase guide. The findings revealed that the life experiences of the respondents are characterized by regret, pain, and bereavement. Suicides were committed due to dysfunctional families, economic hardships, breakdown of relationships, and drug abuse. The pain of suicide affected both the victim and their survivors and occurs within the psychosocial sphere. Interventions should therefore employ a familial, communitarian, and inter-institutional approach. Local Government Units (LGUs) are recommended to initiate a reach-out community-based suicide intervention program and debriefing services.

Experiences and perspectives of ethnocultural breast cancer survivors in the interior region of British Columbia: A descriptive cross-sectional approach

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canadian ethnocultural survivors. There is little information on the psychosocial impact of experiences and perspectives among ethnocultural survivors. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the experiences and perspectives of ethnocultural breast cancer survivors in the interior region of British Columbia. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional approach was used. A research ethics board approval was obtained. A purposive sample of 115 ethnocultural breast cancer survivors was recruited in the interior region from August 2020 to March 2021. Written and verbal consent was obtained from the participants who completed a survey questionnaire. ResultsPatient engagement in care and total satisfaction scores were significantly associated with younger age, higher schooling, living a marital life, being employed, having extended health benefits, having a family history of breast cancer, decreased number of years with the first breast cancer diagnosis, and lesser severity of symptom distress. Participants of a younger age expressed receiving better consultation and advice from health care practitioners for cancer treatment-related distress, building patient-physician communication, relationship and trust. ConclusionA deeper understanding the cancer-related experiences of ethnocultural breast cancer survivors lies in its importance of integrating return to work, health benefits and extended insurance policies within the framework of cancer supportive care. This research lays a foundation for future work to develop specific supportive care interventions that reduce psychosocial distress, improve work productivity and longevity leading to better quality of life.