Contextual and Cultural Influences on Caregivers of Hispanic Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Objectives: To discuss contextual factors (barriers to accessing health care, immigration issues, minority stress, low education/income, challenging employment environments) and cultural values (familism, espíritu, confianza, marianismo, machismo) of Hispanic caregivers that may influence the caregiving experience.

Data sources: Literature, research.

Conclusion: Hispanic caregivers, like non-Hispanic caregivers, experience poor health during caregiving and have unmet needs for information and emotional support. Few evidence-based supportive care interventions are currently available, and more should be developed and tested for this growing population of Hispanic caregivers.

Implications for nursing practice: Nurses should assess both contextual factors and cultural values as part of treatment planning for quality cancer care.

Keywords: Hispanic; cancer; caregivers; contextual factors; cultural values.