Familial support and uncertainty in a Mexican-American breast cancer population

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide a secondary analysis of Self-Help Intervention Project (SHIP II) data describing the relationship among household composition, quality of social support, and uncertainty in illness. The sample consisted of 197 Mexican-American and 99 Anglo women with breast cancer. A statistically significant relationship was found only in the Anglo women. Total score on the social support instrument was positively related to Anglo women who lived alone (r = .28, p = .01). Total score of social support was negatively related to Anglo women who lived with extended family (r = -.28, p = .01). Results of the study indicate the need for further nursing research into the cultural dynamics of Mexican-American women if appropriate interventions are to be provided.