Information and supportive care needs of underserved Maryland cancer family/friend caregivers

Disparities related to caregiving practice and resources have previously been reported in the national literature. African American and racial/ethnic minority caregivers, rural care givers, and those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds report lower use of and access to caregiving support services, and poorer outcomes. There is a paucity of detailed information in the national literature on strategies to evaluate and potentially improve caregiving outcomes in minority and medically underserved rural and urban communities. Preliminary work among Maryland underserved caregivers indicates that there is a need for supportive services and reliable information that will enhance caregivers' quality of life. Limited evidence in the literature suggests that there may be qualitative differences in the information and supportive care needs of cancer caregivers by race/ethnicity and geographical residence. This supports the need for additional research to identify differences in important factors such as need for information and supportive care. This pilot study used community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles and focus groups to assess rural and urban Maryland cancer caregivers information and supportive care needs. African American and White female caregivers from Baltimore City/County, Charles and Queen Anne counties provided insight on the needs and barriers to caregiver support and identified resources that were/are utilized to maintain wellness and improve their quality of life. The results of this study focus on the similarities and differences in identified needs and barriers of rural and urban caregivers.