Health-related quality of life and culture.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the relationship between quality of life (QOL) and culture. DATA SOURCE: Journal articles, proceedings, and clinical experience. CONCLUSION: QOL is a subjective, multidimensional experience of well-being that is culturally constructed as individuals seek safety and security, a sense of integrity and meaning in life, and a sense of belonging in one's social network. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: In a society where health disparities between diverse groups are known to exist, it is incumbent upon nurses to consider the impact of ethnicity/culture on the health care they deliver and on the QOL of their patients.

Understanding the breast cancer experience of Latina women.

Qualitative interviews were used to investigate the impact of breast cancer among Latina survivors. The findings revealed that Latina survivors were optimistic about their health, utilized cultural and religious recovery practices; and seemed to accept their diagnosis, fears and suffering as part of their personal journey. The survivors' narrative identified spirituality as central to their recovery and coping. Extended family and friends were the primary sources of support. Common issues were the impact of cancer on medical care problems, work concerns, the meaning of cancer, family well-being, emotional well-being, body image, and sexual health. Latina survivors, particularly those who are poor and speak limited English, often have inadequate insurance, receive unsatisfactory medical care, and experience poor physician-patient communication and relationship. These problems are directly related to health-care system factors as well as socio-ecological and language issues. In addition, many Latina survivors have inadequate resources and inaccurate beliefs that may affect their health care (e.g., delay, lack of follow-up), and overall quality of life. Results will inform a quantitative study with a larger sample of Latina breast cancer survivors.