Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Prevention Among Chinese American Women: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Physical inactivity is a modifiable behavioral risk factor for breast cancer. Chinese American women have an increased breast cancer incidence and a low prevalence of meeting physical activity (PA) recommendations, yet little is known about their knowledge and experience regarding PA and breast cancer prevention. Given the significant cultural differences between Eastern and Western societies, effective interventions to promote PA among Chinese American women require understanding their knowledge levels regarding PA in breast cancer prevention and their PA experiences through a cultural lens. This qualitative descriptive study used virtual semi-structured individual interviews to explore Chinese American women's knowledge and perception of PA, their understanding of the role of PA in breast cancer prevention, and influence of culture and acculturation on PA experience. Twenty-one Chinese American women residing in eight states were interviewed. Using thematic analysis, four themes emerged: A limited appreciation of the preventability of breast cancer, variability in PA perception, Chinese culture norms and lifestyles influencing PA behavior, and the influence of the process of acculturation on PA behavior. Chinese American women had a limited understanding of PA in breast cancer prevention. Chinese culture, lifestyles, and traditional Chinese medicine positively and negatively influence Chinese American women's PA behaviors. When exposed to American culture, Chinese American women tended to adopt new PA behaviors, including increasing leisure-time PA while decreasing occupation- and transportation-related PA. Interventions to increase PA and reduce breast cancer risk among Chinese American women should address cultural factors and acculturation along with education and behavioral change strategies.

Acceptability of the Mantram Repetition Program to Reduce Stress in Adolescent Survivors of Pediatric Cancer or Brain Tumors.

A mixed-methods approach was used to explore the acceptability of the Mantram Repetition Program (MRP) to reduce stress in adolescents with a history of pediatric cancer or brain tumor. Five male participants diagnosed at ages 1-14 years and currently, ages 13-18 years, completed assessments of stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbance and were interviewed about the acceptability of a mantram repetition intervention. Adolescent survivors reported low to moderate levels of stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. Data indicate that the MRP is acceptable among adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer and brain tumors, and face-to-face intervention delivery is preferred.

Forgiveness and Health Outcomes in Cancer Survivorship: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Religious and spiritual beliefs including forgiveness are an important aspect of cancer survivorship; however, the relationship between forgiveness and health is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review that examines and maps the current research regarding relationships between forgiveness and health outcomes in individuals with cancer. METHODS: We searched 5 electronic databases using key search terms related to forgiveness and cancer. Using a scoping review framework, we synthesized the existing literature regarding forgiveness and health among individuals with cancer and examined forgiveness as a process for coping with cancer. RESULTS: We located 277 articles for review; 24 met inclusion criteria. Forgiveness in interpersonal relationships emerged more often as forgiveness coping than other types of forgiveness. Most studies reported a positive association between forgiveness and mental health. Fewer studies were available regarding relationships between forgiveness and physical health, and findings were mixed. CONCLUSIONS: Forgiveness in interpersonal relationships is a spiritual concern for individuals with cancer. Addressing forgiveness needs may promote mental health in cancer survivors. More empirical evidence is needed to understand the role of forgiveness in physical health in individuals with cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Acknowledging forgiveness beliefs is a psychosocial-spiritual intervention that nurses can provide to support mental health in individuals with cancer. The potential role of forgiveness in physical health for individuals with cancer requires further study.

Essential Elements of Song for Grieving Young Adults.

Complications experienced by grieving young adults have developmental, mental, and behavioral components. Music offers opportunities to promote healthy grieving. While song writing has been widely used as an informal therapy for centuries, current researchers are beginning to explore its benefits. There is a noticeable lack of literature regarding the role of music in the grieving process. The aims of this study were to explore the grieving experiences of young adults who had lost a family member or friend, to identify song elements most helpful in promoting healthy grieving, and then to use these findings to compose a piece of music. Fifteen 20- to 23-year-old participants were interviewed about the death of a close friend or family member using a structured interview guide that included questions about their experience with the death and their grief, as well as questions about what song elements might help in grief. These questions included specifics about the song tempo (speed), dynamic (volume), and whether the song should contain lyrics (words). Thematic analysis was used to analyze interviews. Themes derived from the interview that should be relayed in a song included: Grief can include joy and pain together; It will get better; There is value in community; and, It is ok not to be ok For song elements, participants elected a slow tempo, a mixed or soft dynamic, and inclusion of lyrical content. All findings were integrated into a song composition that may help promote healthy grieving.

"We both just trusted and leaned on the Lord": a qualitative study of religiousness and spirituality among African American breast cancer survivors and their caregivers.

PURPOSE: Most breast cancer (BC) survivorship research focuses on the general population of survivors. Scant research investigates the potentially unique experiences of minorities, especially during and after the difficult transition from primary treatment to post-treatment. This qualitative study explored African American BC survivors' and caregivers' quality-of-life in the post-treatment period with a focus on social and spiritual well-being. METHODS: Participants included a convenience sample of African American women with stage I-III BC (N = 23) who completed treatment 6-24 months before enrollment. Primary caregivers (N = 22) included friends, spouses and other family members (21 complete dyads). Participants completed separate semi-structured telephone interviews. Template analysis was used to evaluate themes related to religiousness and spirituality, both across and within dyads. RESULTS: After treatment, religiousness and spirituality played a major role in both survivors' and caregivers' lives by: (1) providing global guidance, (2) guiding illness management efforts and (3) facilitating recovery. Participants described a spiritual connectedness with God and others in their social networks. Dyad members shared the goal of keeping a positive attitude and described positive growth from cancer. Few future concerns were expressed due to the belief that survivors were healed and "done" with cancer. Beyond practical and emotional support, provision of spiritual assistance was common. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight the principal, positive role of religiousness and spirituality for African American BC survivors and caregivers after treatment. Findings emphasize the need to assess the importance of religious and spiritual beliefs and practices, and if appropriate, to provide resources that promote spiritual well-being.