Faculty Collaboration Database

Examining the role of social relationships on health and health behaviors in African American men with prostate cancer: a qualitative analysis. Support Care Cancer 2024 Feb 21;32(3):178

Date

02/21/2024

Pubmed ID

38381216

DOI

10.1007/s00520-024-08363-z

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85185668818 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

PURPOSE: Cancer survivor cohort studies document the positive impact of health behaviors on cancer survivorship by influencing quality of life, comorbidity burden, and cancer recurrence. Social networks can be instrumental in supporting health behavior changes. This study used qualitative interviews to explore how social networks may impact health and health behaviors of African American Prostate Cancer Survivors (AAPCS) enrolled in Men Moving Forward (MMF), a lifestyle intervention designed with and for AAPCS. Specifically, we sought to understand how different relationships within social networks influence health and health behaviors, and to identify potential mechanisms for this influence.

METHODS: Eighteen men who completed the MMF intervention participated in a semi-structured interview which explored social connections, health and health behaviors, stress, and the cancer experience. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and thematic analysis was performed by two coders.

RESULTS: Participants described robust social networks of friends and family. Four distinct yet overlapping themes were identified that described how relationships influence health and health behaviors among AAPCS: (1) provision of knowledge, (2) health and behavior history, (3) encouragement and support, and (4) shared behavior.

CONCLUSIONS: These results provide initial insight into the types of relationships that influence health, and the intersecting and multifaceted mechanisms through which this influence occurs.

Author List

Awoyinka I, Tovar M, Young S, Beyer K, Kwarteng J, Knight J, Stolley M

Authors

Kirsten M. Beyer PhD, MPH Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jennifer M. Knight MD, MS Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jamila L. Kwarteng PhD Assistant Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Melinda Stolley PhD Center Associate Director, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Staci A. Young PhD Sr Associate Dean, Associate Director, Professor in the Family Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Health Behavior
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Male
Prostatic Neoplasms
Quality of Life