Search

PURPOSE This integrative review provides an overview of current psychosocial interventions and qualitative studies exploring African American Breast Cancer Survivors (AABCS)’ psychosocial wellbeing. METHODS We conducted a search of five databases: PubMed, Academic Search Ultimate, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed articles written in English and published from 2011 to May 26, 2021 were included. We critically appraised intervention studies and qualitative studies using established frameworks. RESULTS Of the 633 unique studies identified, seven interventions and twenty-one qualitative studies were included. Analysis of the interventions revealed the importance of alleviating structural barriers and facilitating peer support for AABCS. Analysis of the qualitative studies revealed seven themes: (1) spirituality/religion, (2) social support, (3) cultural perceptions of BC, (4) lack of representation, (5) negative impacts of treatment, (6) healthcare system experience, and (7) barriers to psychosocial care. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the dearth of psychosocial interventions created specifically for AABCS. The qualitative literature in this review elucidates the unique psychosocial challenges that AABCS experience, providing rich data to inform the creation of future culturally competent interventions in this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS This review found spirituality and social support to be protective factors for AABCS’ psychosocial wellbeing. Further research using rigorous methodologies is needed to further evaluate how to most effectively alleviate structural barriers that AABCS face in obtaining long-term support.

BACKGROUND: Despite the higher incidence rate of breast cancer among African American women compared to their White counterparts, this populations’ five-year survival rate has increased in recent years. The growing number of African American breast cancer survivors highlights the need for culturally appropriate psychosocial interventions to improve survivors’ quality of life and psychological wellbeing. OBJECTIVE: This systematic integrative review provides an overview of the current research-based psychosocial interventions for African American breast cancer survivors supplemented by an overview of the qualitative studies focusing on psychosocial wellbeing. METHODS: Utilizing the evidence-based PEO framework, a search of five databases was conducted for English-language articles published between 2013–2020: Pubmed, Academic Search Ultimate, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Studies were excluded if there was a lack of primary data collection or if the population in the study was not identified as African American female breast cancer survivors. The seven interventions and twenty-one qualitative studies included in the final analysis underwent data extraction, critical appraisal using SRQR and STROBE checklists, and thematic analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were identified in the search, including seven interventions and twenty-one qualitative studies. Analysis of the interventions revealed the importance of alleviating structural barriers and including peer support for African American breast cancer survivors. Analysis of the qualitative studies revealed five main themes: 1) spirituality and religion as a protective factor, 2) social support as a protective factor, 3) cultural perceptions of breast cancer, 4) negative impacts of treatment, and 5) healthcare system experience. CONCLUSION: While study designs differed in the interventions, this review showed the critical need for culturally competent psychoeducational interventions for African American bre