Stem Cell Transplant Experiences Among Hispanic/Latinx Patients: A Qualitative Analysis

Betina Yanez*, Chloe J. Taub, Margaret Waltz, Alma Diaz, Diana Buitrago, Katrin Bovbjerg, Anthony Chicaiza, Rebecca Thompson, Scott Rowley, Jonathan Moreira, Kristi D. Graves, Christine Rini

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) patients with cancer treated with stem cell transplant are vulnerable to adverse outcomes, including higher mortality. This study explored their unmet transplant needs, barriers, and facilitators. Methods: Eighteen English- or Spanish-speaking H/L patients (M age = 59.2) who had a transplant in the past year were interviewed about their transplant experience and rated their interest in receiving information about transplant topics (0 = not at all to 10 = extremely). Results: Content analysis revealed five main themes: (1) pre-transplant barriers and concerns; (2) complex relationships with medical teams; (3) informational mismatch; (4) impacts on daily life after transplant; and (5) methods of coping. Participants were most interested in information about ways of coping with transplant (M = 9.11, SD = 1.45) and words of hope and encouragement (M = 9.05, SD = 1.80). At just above the scale’s midpoint, they were least interested in information about side effects and unintended consequences of transplant (M = 5.61, SD = 3.85). Conclusions: Cultural factors, social determinants, and structural inequalities give rise to unique needs in this growing patient population. Healthcare team members and researchers can better meet the needs of H/L transplant recipients through attention to described considerations, such as financial barriers, communication difficulties, family dynamics, and coping styles.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)628-638
Number of pages11
JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine
Volume30
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2023

Funding

This research was funded by National Cancer Institute R01CA223963-03S1. Dr. Chloe Taub was supported by National Cancer Institute T32CA193193.

Keywords

  • Cancer disparities
  • Culturally informed interventions
  • Hispanic/Latinx
  • Psychoeducational
  • Stem cell transplant

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Applied Psychology

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