Socio-ecological environmental characteristics of young chinese breast cancer survivors

Abstract

PURPOSE: To explore the environmental characteristics of young breast cancer survivors (YBCSs) in China. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 17 participants aged 18-45 years were recruited from hospitals and through participant referral in Shanghai, China. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore the environmental characteristics of YBCSs. Content analysis was performed to analyze the data. FINDINGS: The following four domains emerged from the analysis: Individual environment, interpersonal environment, community environment, and social environment. The YBCSs' personal changes, relationship with family and friends, support from health workers especially peer survivors, social stigma, and other elements were relative to various environmental levels. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The study provides insights into the specific issues of YBCSs at different environmental levels. Nurses should collaborate with the healthcare team, family members, and other stakeholders in addressing these issues to support YBCSs. Culturally tailored support should be developed to release the burden of socially desired roles and other cultural issues for Chinese YBCSs.