Abstract 10: The Evolution of Parents' Beliefs about Childhood Cancer: A Qualitative Study in Guatemala (original) (raw)

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 2021

Abstract

Purpose: Ninety percent of children with cancer live in low- and middle-income countries, and fewer than 40% survive. In these countries, rates of treatment abandonment can be up to 50-60%, contributing to the mortality gap. Fatalistic cancer beliefs may lead to delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes, including treatment abandonment. This study explored the evolution of Guatemalan parents' cancer beliefs during initial pediatric cancer communication, and the sociocultural and contextual factors that influence these beliefs. Methods: Twenty families of children with cancer were included in this study. We audio-recorded initial psychosocial and diagnostic conversations between parents, psychologists, and oncologists, then conducted semi-structured interviews with parents. Audio-recordings were transcribed and translated from Spanish into English and thematically analyzed. Results: Guatemalan parents' beliefs evolve as they learn about cancer through various sources. Sources of in...

Silvia Rivas hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Silvia know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.