Article

Korean American Patients’ and Family Caregivers’ Sources of Social Support and Perceptions of Cancer and the Caregiving Role: A Theory-Driven Qualitative Study

Hyojin Yoon

Emily Lim

cancer, caregiver, social support, quality of life, perceptions of illness
ONF 2023, 50(6), 693-703. DOI: 10.1188/23.ONF.693-703

Purpose: To understand the sources of social support and perceptions of cancer and the caregiving role for Korean American patients with cancer and their family caregivers.

Participants & Setting: Using convenience sampling, Korean American patients with cancer and their family caregivers were recruited from Korean American churches and community health agencies.

Methodologic Approach: Semistructured interviews guided by the sociocultural stress and coping model were conducted with 12 dyads (N = 24) of Korean American patients with cancer and their family caregivers. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings: Patients’ social support sources included Korean cancer support programs, family or friends, and religion. Family caregivers’ sources of social support were limited to religion and friends.

Implications for Nursing: Nurses can encourage patients with cancer in racial and ethnic minority groups to attend cancer support programs offered in their primary language to enhance their quality of life during cancer survivorship. Culturally tailored interventions are needed to support the patients’ family caregivers.

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