Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2017
Abstract
Purpose: Cancer and its treatment can significantly impact health-related quality of life (HRQOL) [29, 4], particularly for Hispanics [8, 17]. Moreover, providers of cancer support for this population may encounter unique challenges. Grounded in social capital theory, this study identified Spanish-speaking, Hispanic breast cancer survivor support needs and preferences for a mHealth intervention. Methods: A user-centered, community-engaged research design was employed, consisting of focus groups made up of constituents from a local Hispanic-serving, cancer support organization. Focus group audio-recordings, translated into English, were coded using a grounded theory analytic approach. First, lead researchers read the complete transcripts to obtain a general sense of the discussion. Next, coding rules were established (e.g., code at the most granular level; double and triple code if necessary, code exhaustively) and initial codebook was created through open-coding. Three new coders were trained to establish requisite kappa statistic levels (≥.70) for inter-rater reliability. With training and discussion, kappa estimates reached .81-.88. Results: Focus group (n=31) results revealed a mHealth intervention targeting Hispanic cancer patients should not only offer information and support on disease/treatment effects, but also respond to the individual’s HRQOL, particularly emotional and social challenges. Specifically, participants expressed a strong desire for Spanish content and to connect with others who had gone through a similar experience. Overall, participants indicated they would have access to and would use such an intervention. Conclusions: Findings indicate positive support for a mHealth, tool, which is culturally tailored to Spanish-speakers, is available in Spanish, and connects cancer patients with survivors.
Version
The article available for download here is the post-print version. Locate the version of record using the DOI below.
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13187-016-1066-6
Publication Title
Journal of Cancer Education
Recommended Citation
Banas, Jennifer R.; Victorson, David; Gutierrez, Sandra; Cordero, Evelyn; Guitleman, Judy; and Haas, Niina, "Developing a Peer-to-Peer mHealth Application to Connect Hispanic Cancer Patients" (2017). Health Sciences and Physical Education Faculty Publications. 5.
https://neiudc.neiu.edu/hpera-pub/5