Symptom Distress, Spirituality, and Quality of Life in African American Breast Cancer Survivors

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jie Hu, Associate Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: This study examined the relationships among the demographic characteristics, symptom distress, spirituality, and quality of life (QOL) of African American breast cancer survivors. A convenience sample of 30 survivors with a mean age of 56 years and a mean survival of 6 years was recruited from African American breast cancer support groups and churches in the Southeastern United States. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a demographic questionnaire, the Quality of Life Index-Cancer Version, the Symptom Distress Scale, and the Spiritual Perspective Scale. Statistically significant relationships were found between symptoms and QOL (r = j0.62, P G .05) and between spirituality and QOL (r = 0.70, P G .05). No statistically significant relationships were found between age at diagnosis, income, or education and QOL. This research suggests that symptoms and spirituality are associated with QOL. Culturally appropriate care should be provided to these women to reduce health disparities and to improve their QOL.

Additional Information

Publication
Cancer Nursing, 31(1), E15-E21.
Language: English
Date: 2008
Keywords
Quality of life, Spirituality, Symptoms, African Americans, Breast cancer survivors

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