African American Cancer Survivors: Do Cultural Factors Influence Symptom Distress?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine how the cultural factors, stigma, being strong, and religiosity influence symptom distress in African American cancer survivors. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was designed using the Sociocultural Stress and Coping Framework. Seventy-seven African American cancer survivors, recruited from oncology clinics and the community in North Carolina, completed a questionnaire that consisted of measures of demographic and illness characteristics, the Perceived Stigma Scale, the Ways of Helping Questionnaire, the Religious Involvement Scale, and the Symptom Distress Scale. Results: The two cultural factors that were significantly associated with symptom distress were stigma (β = .23, p < .05) and organized religion (β = −.50, p < .05). No significant associations were found between being strong or nonorganized religiosity and symptom distress. The most commonly reported symptoms were fatigue (M = 2.44, SD = 1.20), pain (M = 2.26, SD = 1.43), and insomnia (M = 1.95, SD = 1.25). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that the cultural factors, stigma, and organized religiosity were significantly associated with symptom distress. Implications for Practice: The results from this study can be used to guide researchers in developing culturally appropriate interventions aimed at alleviating symptom distress in African American cancer survivors.