Healthy Behaviors Among Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic People Affected by Cancer During the Posttreatment Survivorship

Abstract

Background There are disparities in health behaviors across racial and ethnic groups. However, limited studies focus on cancer survivors’ experiences developing and maintaining healthy behaviors, particularly in non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and Hispanic people. Objective This study aimed to understand the experiences of NHB and Hispanic people affected by cancer in developing and maintaining positive health behaviors beyond a cancer diagnosis. Methods The data were collected in a mixed-method study through semistructured interviews with 29 NHB and Hispanic cancer survivors between June and October 2022. Conventional content analysis was used. Results The lived experiences of cancer survivors were narrated in 3 themes: impact of a cancer diagnosis on oneself, facilitators and barriers to health and health behaviors, and utilization of available sources for health. Facilitators and barriers to health and health behaviors were further explored as biological (eg, symptoms, comorbidities), behavioral (eg, help-seeking behavior, sleep pattern), physical/built (eg, available sources, neighborhood), and sociocultural environment (eg, income, transportation, knowledge, culture, upbringing, household and community composition, social and family network), and healthcare system–related factors (eg, insurance coverage, personal preferences, perceived discrimination, and stigma). Conclusion Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic people, specifically those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods with limited sources or where they feel discriminated and stereotyped, those with limited income and transportation, and those with physical, social, or mental health problems, seemed to have challenges prioritizing health behaviors and maintaining healthy living. Implications for Practice Biological, behavioral, and psychosocial determinants of health behaviors should be addressed through multilevel collaborations among different levels of partners.