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Bennett CR, Doyon K, Barnard JG, Tofthagen C, Galchutt P, Coats HL, Hendricks-Ferguson VL. "God is going to help me get through this": spirituality perspectives from Hispanic adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:348. [PMID: 38743085 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08550-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Describe spirituality's role in a sample of Hispanic adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. METHODS This phenomenology-informed convergent parallel mixed-methods study aimed to explore participants' lived experiences with hope during cancer treatments and cancer survivorship. A purposive sample of Hispanic AYAs who completed cancer treatments 2-5 years ago were virtually recruited for participation. Participants completed virtual semi-structured interviews about their experiences with hope during cancer treatments and cancer survivorship and prepared narratives about their experiences. Thematic analyses were iteratively performed across the data set to identify final themes. RESULTS Ten Hispanic AYA cancer survivors (mean age 30.2, SD = 4.5) years participated in this pilot study. Seven participants (70%) were female, and three participants (30%) were male. Six participants (60%) experienced non-hematologic malignancies, and four participants (40%) experienced hematologic malignancies. Eight (80%) participants' language preference was Spanish, while two (20%) participants' language preference was English. The theme spirituality and subthemes living by faith, god as a resource, and spiritual gratitude were identified as concepts participants linked to their conceptualization of hope during cancer treatment and survivorship. CONCLUSIONS Hope and spirituality may be conceptually linked to coping behaviors among Hispanic AYA cancer survivors. Hope through faith may be a learned spiritual value in Hispanic AYAs and might play a role in their spiritual and cognitive development. Further research is needed to explore the potentially protective value of hope and spirituality for the Hispanic AYA population.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Robert Bennett
- Division of Nursing Research, Mayo Clinic Arizona, 5777 E Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | - Katherine Doyon
- School of Nursing, Boise State University, Norco Building, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Juliana G Barnard
- Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research Core (QM2), ACCORDS (Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science), Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine | Children's Hospital Colorado, Mailstop F443, 1890 North Revere Court, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cindy Tofthagen
- Division of Nursing Research, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Paul Galchutt
- Department of Transforming Chaplaincy, Rush University, 1653 W Congress Pkwy #12, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Heather L Coats
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Education 2 North, Room 4240 Mail Stop C288-18, 13120 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Verna L Hendricks-Ferguson
- Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, 3525 Caroline Mall, Office #526, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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Neenan A, Byrd M, Hoodin F, Staples AD. Activism, Coping, and Hopefulness Among Parents of Children With Cancer. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2024; 41:56-66. [PMID: 37885240 DOI: 10.1177/27527530231194566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Coping styles employed by parents of children with cancer have significant implications for parents' and children's well-being. To supplement the minimal literature in this area, activism (participation in activities that serve to benefit children with cancer as a group) was investigated as a potential coping strategy. Method: Parents (N = 67) of children with cancer completed an online survey that included measures of COPE inventory (COPE), hopefulness (Adult Hope Scale), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9-item). Participants retrospectively reported their engagement in activism to benefit children with cancer and to benefit other causes, including actions that were taken before and after their child's cancer diagnosis. Relations between activism, overall styles of coping, hopefulness, and depression were assessed. Results: Activism was positively correlated with hope and active coping, but not associated with depression. Participants reported a significant increase in childhood-cancer-related activism following their own child's diagnosis, with 100% of parents endorsing engagement in such activism. Postdiagnosis childhood-cancer-related activism uniquely explained 17% of the variance in hopefulness after other forms of activism had been accounted for. Discussion: Childhood-cancer-related activism is a common activity among parents of children with cancer that has significant implications for parental hopefulness. Parents who endorse an active, solution-focused approach to coping with the childhood cancer experience may be more likely than others to engage in activism. Further research is needed to clarify the role of activism in the lives of families of children with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Neenan
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Michelle Byrd
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Flora Hoodin
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
| | - Angela D Staples
- Department of Psychology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI, USA
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Zhang S, Liu CY, Wang F, Ni ZH. Post-traumatic growth among childhood cancer survivors: A qualitative meta-synthesis. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 63:102289. [PMID: 36889244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To conduct a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on the post-traumatic growth experiences of childhood cancer survivors. METHOD Various databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycInfo, ProQuest, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (CSTJ), and China Biology Medicine (CBM) were used to retrieve qualitative studies on childhood cancer survivors who experienced post-traumatic growth. RESULTS Eight papers were included in this study, and similar fragments were combined to form eight categories, which were further combined into four synthesized findings: adjustment of cognitive system, enhancement of personal strength, improving relationships with others, resetting of life goals. CONCLUSIONS Post-traumatic growth was observed in some childhood cancer survivors. The potential resources and positive forces contributing to this growth are of great significance in the fight against cancer, in tapping into individual and social resources to help survivors grow, and in improving their survival rates and quality of life. It also provides a new perspective for healthcare providers regarding the relevant psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No. 92 Zhong Nan Street, Soochow, Jiangsu Province, China; School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, No. 1 Shi Zi Road, Soochow, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chun-Yan Liu
- Department of Nursing, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No. 92 Zhong Nan Street, Soochow, Jiangsu Province, China; School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, No. 1 Shi Zi Road, Soochow, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Nursing, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No. 92 Zhong Nan Street, Soochow, Jiangsu Province, China; School of Nursing, Medical College of Soochow University, No. 1 Shi Zi Road, Soochow, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Ni
- Department of Nursing, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No. 92 Zhong Nan Street, Soochow, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Bennett CR, Coats H, Hendricks-Ferguson VL, Gauthier K, Sousa K. The Lived Experiences With Hope From Adolescents and Young Adults Who Have Advanced Cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:581-589. [PMID: 34890726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES 1. Describe the concept of hope based on perspectives of AYAs who experienced advanced cancer. 2. Differentiate the role hope has for AYAs before, during, and after experiencing cancer. CONTEXT In clinical care, addressing patients' hopes may stimulate conversations about their goals, concerns, and values; helping clinicians focus on patient-centered interventions to support the patient's psychological, spiritual, and existential needs. METHODS This descriptive qualitative study used a phenomenology informed approach to depict experiences with hope by AYAs who have advanced cancer. The participants completed two semi-structured audio-recorded virtual interviews and co-created narratives and drawings about the role of hope before, during, and after experiencing cancer. Thematic analyses were performed on the narratives. RESULTS Fifteen AYAs aged 12-21 years were recruited from an academic medical center and an online non-profit organization. During data collection participants had either completed treatments (60%), or were actively receiving treatments (40%). Approximately 67% of the sample experienced at least one relapse. A main theme identified from the narratives was Transitions of Hope. Participants described differences in their hope before and after experiencing cancer. Participants who experienced a relapse reported their past experiences helped them build hope during their relapse. Participants described a new sense of purpose after experiencing cancer, such as starting a non-profit organization, giving back to others, doing "what I'm passionate about", and honoring the legacies of others. CONCLUSION Transitions in the role of hope occurred over time, becoming a source of mental sustenance during cancer treatment, and a source of altruism after experiencing cancer. This study adds to the understanding of hope for AYAs who have advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Robert Bennett
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (C.R.B.), Aurora, Colorado, USA.
| | - Heather Coats
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (H.C.), Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Kristine Gauthier
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (K.G.), Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Karen Sousa
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Spiritual pain as part of the hospitalization experience of children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A phenomenological study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2022; 58:102141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Rossell N, Olarte-Sierra MF, Challinor J. Survivors of childhood cancer in Latin America: Role of foundations and peer groups in the lack of transition processes to adult long-term follow-up. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2021; 5:e1474. [PMID: 34137212 PMCID: PMC9199506 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last decade, the population of childhood cancer survivors has rapidly increased in Latin America, opening a long chapter of challenges for healthcare providers in these countries to provide follow‐up and adult care. Aim In the process of exploring childhood cancer parent and patient engagement in resource‐limited settings, we highlight the challenges faced by Latin American survivors from El Salvador, Mexico, and Peru as they transitioned from receiving cancer treatment to life as a cancer survivors. Methods and Results Focus group discussions and interviews were performed as part of a larger qualitative study involving 10 low and middle‐income countries in four continents regarding patient and caregiver engagement in childhood cancer treatment. We present the results of the Latin‐American survivors and their experiences finishing treatment and life outside the pediatric oncology follow‐up system. Themes regarding a) losing eligibility for pediatric surveillance and care, b) the importance of peer survivors, and c) the need for giving back were part of their stories. Conclusion We suggest that given the lack of organized support from healthcare systems and providers for survivors' proper transition into adult‐centered care, foundations and non‐governmental organizations can provide transitional support, offer space for guidance/information, and work towards collaboration among systems for future integrated programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Rossell
- Independent Medical Anthropology Researcher, San Salvador, El Salvador
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Gürcan M, Atay Turan S. The experiences of adolescents receiving cancer treatment in Turkey: A qualitative study. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2020; 29:e13239. [DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Asgari Z, Naghavi A. The Experience of Adolescents’ Post-Traumatic Growth after Sudden Loss of Father. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2019.1664723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Asgari
- Department of Counselling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azam Naghavi
- Department of Counselling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
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