Attitudes toward Technology-Based Cancer Support Programs Among Korean American Breast Cancer Survivors

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Eun Im, Emory University; Sangmi Kim, Emory University; Mia Jang, Health & Wellness Innovations; Wonshik Chee, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-11-16
• Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © The Author(s) 2020.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0193945920974028
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: WESTERN JOURNAL OF NURSING RESEARCH
• Volume: 43
• Issue: 8
• Start Page: 732
• End Page: 741
• Grant/Funding Information: This study was funded by the National Cancer Institute, the Speeding Research-tested INTerventions (SPRINT) Program (DAA3-19-65152-1).
• Keywords: cancer survivors; Korean American; PEER SUPPORT; WEB-BASED INTERVENTIONS; QUALITY-OF-LIFE; tablets; COMMUNICATION; WOMEN; THERAPY; HEALTH; Computers; PREVALENCE; mobile phones; Asian American; technology; intervention; attitudes; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Web-based; Nursing; Science & Technology

Abstract

Despite the increasing usages of technology-based programs, few technology-based support programs are currently available for racial/ethnic minority cancer survivors including Korean-American cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes toward technology-based cancer support programs among Korean-American cancer survivors from a feminist perspective. In-person focus group interviews were held with 17 Korean-American cancer survivors. All the interviews were recorded by writing memos. Then, the written memos were analyzed using a content analysis. Four major themes reflecting their attitudes toward technology-based cancer-support programs were identified: (a) “easy to access”; (b) “good for peer and family support,” (c) “overcoming language barriers,” and (d) “providing Korean-specific and personalized trustable information.” Future technology-based cancer support groups for this specific population need to incorporate peer support, support for family members, Korean language, and Korea-specific information and intervention components.