A Community-Based Approach to Assessing the Physical,Emotional,and Health Status of Hispanic Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Introduction:

Latina breast cancer survivors in the United States face disproportionate risk for poorer quality of life and physical health, as well as greater emotional distress.

Method:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to describe the physical, emotional, and general health status of 135 Latina breast cancer survivors served by a community-based program.

Results:

Of the 135 surveys sent, 48 survivors responded. Of those who responded, time since diagnosis ranged from 0 to 24 years (M = 4.37; SD = 5.54); and 45.9% of the women rated physical health as poor or fair. Fatigue prevalence was high, with 60.5% reporting fatigue as moderate or severe. Nearly 80% reported having pain (score >0); 38.3% reported pain was moderate or severe. The women reported mild levels of anxiety and depression but high levels of stress (M = 4.14; SD = 3.02).

Conclusions:

Latina breast cancer survivors could benefit from interventions focused on commonly shared problems while tailoring specific interventions for subsets with more severe symptoms.

Keywords

breast cancer community-based participatory research health disparities Latino populations vulnerable populations community health

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