ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: There is a substantial gap in the literature about the perceptions of QOL of caregivers of Mexican ancestry. This qualitative study explores the role of culture on the perceptions of QOL of this understudied population. METHODS: Twenty caregivers providing care to adults with advanced cancer were interviewed. Thematic analysis identified several themes for each domain of QOL, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual domains and the role of culture. RESULTS: Cultural background influenced all of the QOL domains. There was a tremendous synergy across domains of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Extended family and religious beliefs, life experiences, and culture were important components of QOL for these caregivers. Cultural expectations influenced role functioning and caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: This study informs our understanding of the role of culture on perceptions of QOL. Future investigations should be conducted with other Latino subgroups to describe QOL and to determine the role of culture on perceived QOL. Interventions should be specifically designed to improve caregivers' QOL and to reduce the burden of cancer in this underserved population.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Caregivers/psychology , Mexican Americans/psychology , Neoplasms/therapy , Perception , Quality of Life/psychology , Adult , Culture , Family , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasms/psychologyABSTRACT
The act of providing care may be the same in all ethnic groups, but the way caregiving is defined by family members is influenced by cultural values and beliefs. This study describes the caregiving experience and challenges of caregivers of Mexican ancestry. Qualitative interviews of 20 family caregivers and thematic analysis of transcribed audiotapes identified four themes that characterized their caregiving experience. These themes include an emphasis on family values, a strong commitment to care, difficulties dealing with everyday life realities, and a reliance on spirituality, all of which added to the meaningfulness and burden of caregiving. Further investigation within a cultural context is warranted in the development of interventions and programs to better assist caregivers in coping with the challenges of providing cancer care.
