263504 Cultural constructs of fatigue among American Indian cancer survivors

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Felicia Schanche Hodge, DrPH , School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Tracy Line Itty, MPH , School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Suzanne Kotkin-Jaszi, DrPH , Department of Public Health, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA
Mary Cadogan, DrPH, APRN, BC , School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Fernando Martinez , School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Fatigue is one of the most common and perplexing symptoms experienced by cancer survivors. Cancer-related fatigue can be acute or chronic and can persist for years after cancer treatment is completed, negatively impacting a survivor's quality of life and ability to function. Often the origin of persistent fatigue is unknown, and there are no validated treatments. This paper reports on the identification, meaning and the lived experience of cancer-related fatigue as reported by American Indian cancer survivors in the Southwest United States. Part of a larger study, key informant interviews (n=20) at an urban Indian hospital and focus groups (n=126) at urban clinics and rural reservation sites collected qualitative data on cancer survivor experiences with fatigue. The sessions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcriptions were analyzed, and common themes were coded and formed into categories following Grounded Theory analytical procedures. Relationships between categories were examined. Findings indicate that five constructs are associated with the experience of fatigue: 1) stigma, 2) change of identity or roles, 3) draining of life, 4) stress, and 5) suffering. Recommendations for appropriate provision of education concerning fatigue, techniques for reducing fatigue, and support for survivors experiencing fatigue are highlighted.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Public health or related education
Public health or related nursing

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify constructs related to the fatigue experience of American Indian cancer survivors. 2. Describe strategies for cancer-related fatigue education, management and support.

Keywords: American Indians, Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal investigator of multiple federally funded grants focusing on American Indian health care needs, several of which focus on cancer experience, prevention, symptom management, control and cultural constructs
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 5000.0: Innovations in Cancer Survivorship Research