Cultural Differences in Posttraumatic Growth among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancers — ASN Events
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Cultural Differences in Posttraumatic Growth among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancers (#105)

Yoonji Kim 1 , Marcie D Haydon 1 2 , Anamara Ritt-Olson 3 , Joel Milam 1 4
  1. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, Irvine, California, United States
  2. Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Irvine, California, United States
  3. Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, California, United States
  4. Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, California, United States

Background

Many young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCS) report posttraumatic growth (PTG) from their cancer experience. Although prior studies have assessed racial/ethnic variations in PTG, cultural factors and their relationship with posttraumatic growth are not well understood.

Aims

To examine associations between PTG and ethnicity, familism (the belief that events happen beyond our control), fatalism (the belief in the importance of family), dispositional optimism, and acculturation (degree of Spanish/English cultural changes and language use) in an ethnically diverse, population-based cohort of YACCS.

Method

Participants (n=1,106; Mage=26.18; 51% female; 51% Hispanic/Latino) were diagnosed with at least stage 2 cancer (except brain) in Los Angeles County, California between 1996-2010, at least 5 years from diagnosis, and age 18 to 39. PTG was measured with a modified, 11-item Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, that assessed positive changes attributed to cancer diagnosis and treatment (e.g., appreciation of life, relationships, inner strength). Assessed cultural variables included ethnicity, familism, fatalism, dispositional optimism, and a Spanish culture/language acculturation assessment (for Hispanics/Latinos). Multiple regression analyses were performed with PTG as the main outcome variable and cultural variables as the independent variables. Covariates included current age, sex, and years since diagnosis. Two-way interactions between race/ethnicity and each cultural factor were examined. 

Results

A total of 1,085 participants with PTG scores were included in the analysis. In multivariable models, fatalism, familism, dispositional optimism, and acculturation (Hispanic/Latino survivors only) were positively associated with PTG (ps <.01) after controlling for covariates. Hispanic/Latino and Asian (vs. non-Hispanic White) YACCS reported higher levels of PTG. We examined two-way interactions between race/ethnicity and fatalism, familism, and optimism in separate models. There was one interaction observed between dispositional optimism and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity (p=.005), indicating that the positive relationship between PTG and dispositional optimism was stronger for Hispanic/Latino YACCS (Vs. non-Hispanic White, Asian, and other races). 

Conclusion

Cultural factors represent unique correlates of PTG and may serve as intervention targets to improve the cancer survivorship experience among YACCS. 

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