Factors associated with Chinese American and White cancer survivors’ physical and psychological functioning.

Objective: To examine whether health-related stressors and resources are associated with physical function, depression, and anxiety in Chinese American and White breast cancer survivors. Method: During 2011–2013, this cross-sectional study enrolled Chinese American and White women from California cancer registries diagnosed with Stage 0–III breast cancer between 2006 and 2012. Survivors completed a telephone survey assessing health-related factors including comorbidity, treatment-related symptoms, medical communication, perceived threat, use of coping, and social support resources. Outcomes were assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) short forms. Chinese were classified as low- or high-acculturated based on English proficiency, years in the United States, and interview language. Analyses were conducted using Tobit regression models. Results: Low-acculturated Chinese (n = 136) had worse physical functioning than Whites (n = 216), controlling for demographics, cancer stage, and time since diagnosis (β = −3.33, p = .01). This disparity was attenuated after adjusting for comorbidity and symptoms (β = −1.63, p = .18). Perceived threat, disengagement coping, and lack of social support were associated with poorer psychological outcomes, regardless of ethnicity. Although low-acculturated Chinese had lower scores on all health-related factors than Whites, the former reported significantly lower level of depression (β = −3.2...
Source: Health Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research