Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, And Coping Strategies Of Chinese–Australian Women With Breast Cancer
Objective: Chinese migrant women with breast cancer are at risk of poorer psychosocial outcomes. However, little is known about the cancer-related challenges experienced by these women, or how they self-manage their concerns. This qualitative study aims to explore the experience of breast cancer for...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2020-01-01
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| Series: | Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.apjon.org/article.asp?issn=2347-5625;year=2020;volume=7;issue=2;spage=141;epage=150;aulast=Levesque |
| _version_ | 1797765826404679680 |
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| author | Janelle V Levesque Martha Gerges Afaf Girgis |
| author_facet | Janelle V Levesque Martha Gerges Afaf Girgis |
| author_sort | Janelle V Levesque |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Objective: Chinese migrant women with breast cancer are at risk of poorer psychosocial outcomes. However, little is known about the cancer-related challenges experienced by these women, or how they self-manage their concerns. This qualitative study aims to explore the experience of breast cancer for Chinese–Australian women and gain insight into their coping behaviors. Methods: Twenty-four Chinese–Australian women, previously diagnosed with breast cancer, participated in a semi-structured interview or focus group session, conducted in the participant's preferred language. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged, reflecting the psychological impact of the diagnosis, the challenges experienced, and the use of social support and other coping behaviors. The theme of psychological impact highlighted the emotional toll of diagnosis and the ongoing anxiety surrounding the fear of cancer recurrence. The theme of challenges identified stressors relating to treatment side effects and the need for psychological support. The social support and coping theme identified the various levels of social support participants received and how Chinese–Australian women may limit their use of social support to protect others. Participants used several behavioral (e.g., diet and exercise) and cognitive (e.g., reframing) strategies to cope with their cancer experience. Conclusions: Chinese–Australian women with breast cancer face significant challenges that impact on their psychological well-being. Varying levels of social support, and the desire to protect others through self-sacrifice, may reflect the cultural expectations of women. The results highlight the need for cultural understanding when developing strategies that optimally support Chinese migrant women with breast cancer. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-12T20:15:43Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-9578ce31d7f94a11bb26e1511716087b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2347-5625 2349-6673 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-12T20:15:43Z |
| publishDate | 2020-01-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing |
| spelling | doaj.art-9578ce31d7f94a11bb26e1511716087b2023-08-02T01:21:23ZengElsevierAsia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing2347-56252349-66732020-01-017214115010.4103/apjon.apjon_53_19Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, And Coping Strategies Of Chinese–Australian Women With Breast CancerJanelle V LevesqueMartha GergesAfaf GirgisObjective: Chinese migrant women with breast cancer are at risk of poorer psychosocial outcomes. However, little is known about the cancer-related challenges experienced by these women, or how they self-manage their concerns. This qualitative study aims to explore the experience of breast cancer for Chinese–Australian women and gain insight into their coping behaviors. Methods: Twenty-four Chinese–Australian women, previously diagnosed with breast cancer, participated in a semi-structured interview or focus group session, conducted in the participant's preferred language. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged, reflecting the psychological impact of the diagnosis, the challenges experienced, and the use of social support and other coping behaviors. The theme of psychological impact highlighted the emotional toll of diagnosis and the ongoing anxiety surrounding the fear of cancer recurrence. The theme of challenges identified stressors relating to treatment side effects and the need for psychological support. The social support and coping theme identified the various levels of social support participants received and how Chinese–Australian women may limit their use of social support to protect others. Participants used several behavioral (e.g., diet and exercise) and cognitive (e.g., reframing) strategies to cope with their cancer experience. Conclusions: Chinese–Australian women with breast cancer face significant challenges that impact on their psychological well-being. Varying levels of social support, and the desire to protect others through self-sacrifice, may reflect the cultural expectations of women. The results highlight the need for cultural understanding when developing strategies that optimally support Chinese migrant women with breast cancer.http://www.apjon.org/article.asp?issn=2347-5625;year=2020;volume=7;issue=2;spage=141;epage=150;aulast=Levesquebreast cancerculturemigrantspsychologicalqualitative studysocial support |
| spellingShingle | Janelle V Levesque Martha Gerges Afaf Girgis Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, And Coping Strategies Of Chinese–Australian Women With Breast Cancer Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing breast cancer culture migrants psychological qualitative study social support |
| title | Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, And Coping Strategies Of Chinese–Australian Women With Breast Cancer |
| title_full | Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, And Coping Strategies Of Chinese–Australian Women With Breast Cancer |
| title_fullStr | Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, And Coping Strategies Of Chinese–Australian Women With Breast Cancer |
| title_full_unstemmed | Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, And Coping Strategies Of Chinese–Australian Women With Breast Cancer |
| title_short | Psychosocial Experiences, Challenges, And Coping Strategies Of Chinese–Australian Women With Breast Cancer |
| title_sort | psychosocial experiences challenges and coping strategies of chinese australian women with breast cancer |
| topic | breast cancer culture migrants psychological qualitative study social support |
| url | http://www.apjon.org/article.asp?issn=2347-5625;year=2020;volume=7;issue=2;spage=141;epage=150;aulast=Levesque |
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