Abstract
While much has been documented with regard to the role of the family in managing the stress of a diagnosis of cancer, there has been a paucity of attention devoted to cultural differences, which are vital factors in the family's unique ability to cope. Health care professionals in large urban settings are often required to assess families that are unfamiliar to them. This paper focuses on the need to educate health care professionals in order that they can more clearly conceptualize the structure, function, and health‐related needs of families from differing cultural backgrounds. Nine interviews with Greek, Chinese, and Italian immigrant families were analyzed retrospectively with regard to family perceptions of hospitalization and experiences surrounding coping and problem solving with respect to a diagnosis of cancer. Findings revealed that fear and loneliness were predominant emotions at the onset of hospitalization. Coping strategies and the management of stress frequency differed from the suggestions of health personnel. This paper concludes that the content of health education curricula needs to be broadened to include attention to cultural considerations.
Notes
Department of Nursing, Consultant for Family Nursing, Royal Victoria Hospital, Faculty Lecturer, School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.