The Occupational Participation of Latinx Cancer Survivors and Their Family Caregivers Living in Survivorship: A Qualitative Exploration Informed by Multiple Stakeholders

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of Latinx cancer survivors and their family caregivers during survivorship. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with a variety of stakeholders including Latinx cancer survivors (n = 8), their family caregivers (n = 5), and cancer care providers (n = 5). Data were analyzed thematically to describe occupational participation. Latinx families lived in political, economic, language, and social contexts that facilitated and hindered their well-being. Survivors simultaneously experienced occupational deprivation and posttraumatic growth. To promote occupational justice, occupational therapy practitioners and researchers are called to partner with Latinx survivors and their families to facilitate skills needed for everyday participation.

Keywords:

• Cancer rehabilitation
• Latinx
• occupational participation
• posttraumatic growth
• survivorship

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

R. D. Ramirez

Ricardo D. Ramirez, OTD, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Y. Suarez-Balcazar

Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar, PhD is Department Head and Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

H. C. Fischer

Heidi C. Fischer, OTD, OTR/L is Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

S. R. Magasi

Susan Magasi, PhD is Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Applied Health Sciences, Departments of Occupational Therapy and Disability Studies, Chicago, Illinois, USA.