ADDRESSING BARRIERS AND PROMOTING ASSISTANCE TO OLDER AFRICAN AMERICAN CANCER PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS IN RURAL N.C.

摘要

Older African American cancer patients and caregivers in eastern North Carolina (eNC) often face barriers in adhering to treatment regimens. This subpopulation may be disproportionally impacted, as African Americans had the highest incidence of cancer cases in NC in 2006 - 2010, in conjunction with high poverty rates in the eNC region. The present study investigated the challenges older rural African American cancer patients and their caregivers experience through qualitative interviews (N=16; 8 with patients and 8 with their caregivers) to gain an understanding of their everyday experiences in adhering to cancer treatment protocols. Exemplary themes that emerged from the data include issues related to transportation, costs of care, and means of informal/formal assistance received. The presentation will conclude with how the results can be used to inform the development interventions supporting adherence in eNC among patients and their caregivers.