Experiences of Korean-American Women with High Risk Hereditary Breast Cancer

Characteristics of Asian-American Breast Cancer Survivors Retained in a 3-Month Technology-Based Intervention

BACKGROUND

Technology-based intervention programs are known to be effective in approaching socially excluded groups or racial/ethnic minorities, including this specific population. However, the retention of participants in technology-based intervention studies is far more complicated and challenging compared with conventional studies targeting racial/ethnic minorities.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the complex characteristics of the groups within Asian American breast cancer survivors who were successfully retained in a 3-month technology-based intervention study.

METHODS

This secondary analysis of the data from a larger ongoing intervention study included 155 Asian American breast cancer survivors. Major variables were measured using multiple instruments including the questions on characteristics of the participants, the Personal Resource Questionnaire, perceived isolation, Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form, Cancer Behavior Inventory, 34-item Supportive Care Needs Survey Short Form, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale-Breast Cancer. Data analyses were done through χ2 tests, t tests, and decision tree analyses.

RESULTS

The retention rates differed by subethnicity (P = .025), immigration age (P < .001), and stage of breast cancer (P = .003). The decision tree indicated four groups with the highest probability of retention: (a) those who were diagnosed with stage II, III, or IV breast cancer, (b) those who immigrated to the United States after turning 31 years old, and (c) those who had high perceived barriers.

CONCLUSION

This study provides directions for future retention strategies for technology-based interventions among Asian American breast cancer survivors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Participants' characteristics need to be considered in developing retain strategies for technology-based interventions among Asian American breast cancer survivors.

Factors Affecting Quality of Life for Korean American Cancer Survivors: An Integrative Review

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Understanding of Korean American cancer survivors' quality of life (QOL) within a cultural context is limited. This article examines factors associated with the QOL of Korean American cancer survivors.
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LITERATURE SEARCH

A systematic literature search was conducted of PubMed, CINAHL®, Google Scholar, and EBSCO databases from January 2000 to January 2014.
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DATA EVALUATION

The studies were assessed for the relevance to the purpose of the review. Each study was rated on a two-point scale using an 11-item quality criteria checklist.
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SYNTHESIS

The 13 studies that met the criteria for inclusion included 7 descriptive, 5 qualitative, and 1 mixed-method. 
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CONCLUSIONS

Social support, communication, and acculturation were key factors associated with Korean Americans' QOL. Cultural differences were evident for Korean Americans versus other Asian American ethnic groups.
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IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

More innovative and culturally driven research is needed to understand each minority group's cultural barriers, as well as to improve cancer survivors' QOL. Improving the doctor-patient relationship is critical to promoting better cancer experiences for Korean American cancer survivors.