Yanez B, Taub CJ, Waltz M, Diaz A, Buitrago D, Bovbjerg K, Chicaiza A, Thompson R, Rowley S, Moreira J, Graves KD, Rini C. Stem Cell Transplant Experiences Among Hispanic/Latinx Patients: A Qualitative Analysis.
Int J Behav Med 2023;
30:628-638. [PMID:
36266388 PMCID:
PMC9589807 DOI:
10.1007/s12529-022-10126-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) patients with cancer treated with stem cell transplant are vulnerable to adverse outcomes, including higher mortality. This study explored their unmet transplant needs, barriers, and facilitators.
METHODS
Eighteen English- or Spanish-speaking H/L patients (M age = 59.2) who had a transplant in the past year were interviewed about their transplant experience and rated their interest in receiving information about transplant topics (0 = not at all to 10 = extremely).
RESULTS
Content analysis revealed five main themes: (1) pre-transplant barriers and concerns; (2) complex relationships with medical teams; (3) informational mismatch; (4) impacts on daily life after transplant; and (5) methods of coping. Participants were most interested in information about ways of coping with transplant (M = 9.11, SD = 1.45) and words of hope and encouragement (M = 9.05, SD = 1.80). At just above the scale's midpoint, they were least interested in information about side effects and unintended consequences of transplant (M = 5.61, SD = 3.85).
CONCLUSIONS
Cultural factors, social determinants, and structural inequalities give rise to unique needs in this growing patient population. Healthcare team members and researchers can better meet the needs of H/L transplant recipients through attention to described considerations, such as financial barriers, communication difficulties, family dynamics, and coping styles.
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