Exploring the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Experiences of Latina Breast Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Analysis

Sanchez, Ashley Nicole

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Year:: 2024
Contributor:: Sanchez, Ashley Nicole (creator); Stolley, Melinda R (Advisor); Benitez, Tanya (Reader); Brown University. School of Public Health (sponsor)
Genre:: theses
Subject:: Qualitative research; Hispanic Americans; Cancer--Patients; Breast Cancer; COVID-19 Pandemic (2020-)
Extent:: vi, 37 p.

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Abstract:: Background: Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic Latinos (HLs); breast cancer is the leading cause of death among HL women (American Cancer Society, 2021). In the United States (U.S.), there will be approximately 4 million HL cancer survivors by the year 2030 (Kronenfeld et al., 2021). HLs experience notable disparities in cancer-related health burdens and have experienced disproportionately high rates of Covid-19, which could also influence cancer-related health behaviors and outcomes (Kronenfeld et al., 2021; Calo et al., 2020). These disparities highlight the importance of further research in support of HL cancer survivors. Methods: Purposive and snowball sampling were utilized to recruit Latina breast cancer survivors over the age of 18 (N=33) to participate in Avanzando Juntas (AJ). Upon program completion, 17 women participated in a semi-structured telephone interview with program staff in 2021 to explore their experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. Interviews were recorded and then transcribed before using a reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) approach with a single coder, a hybrid codebook (deductive, inductive), and NVivo 14 software to conduct this secondary qualitative analysis. Results: The Covid-19 pandemic elicited an array of thoughts among the participants (accepting pandemic as a new reality, varying levels of concern). Heightened health risks led to precautionary guideline adherence (mask wearing, social distancing). Consequently, the pandemic magnified cognitive distress (anxiety, depression), negatively affecting their mental health, but led to the use of faith as a coping mechanism. Participants also reported an impact on their cultural identity and sense of community. However, the participants provided positive feedback overall on AJ with suggestions for a future program despite their program outcomes being affected. Conclusions: Findings indicate the need for future research on how to support Latina breast cancer survivors’ (BCS) mental health, how to cultivate cultural identity in times of health crises, how peer support within HL BCS women’s social networks might be informative, and the implementation of participant feedback for future cancer survivorship programs for Latinas. This includes seeking feedback from Latina BCS to further identify areas for the development of community programs and resources that are culturally relevant and supportive of their needs.
Notes:: Thesis (M. P. H.)--Brown University, 2024

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Sanchez, Ashley Nicole, "Exploring the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Experiences of Latina Breast Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Analysis" (2024). Public Health Theses and Dissertations. Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library. https://repository.library.brown.edu/studio/item/bdr:px9r8fbg/

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Public Health Theses and Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations for the Public Health department.
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