Ethnic differences in the caregiver's attitudes and preferences about the treatment and care of advanced lung cancer patients

Objective This study examined differences in attitudes and preferences between African American and White caregivers about cancer treatment and care. Methods There were 173 White and 26 African American caregivers of advanced lung cancer patients who were recruited as a convenience sample. A telephone interview was conducted to collect information using a semi-structured questionnaire. Using logistic regression, we examined differences between racial groups concerning therapeutic and caregiving issues controlling for socioeconomic and demographic variables. Results The regression analyses showed that African American caregivers had higher expectations for treatment outcomes (p ≤ 0.05) but poorer understanding of hospice and a stronger preference for hospice care outside the home (p ≤ 0.05). They were more likely to believe that the patient communicates with the family about cancer treatment to meet the family's expectations rather than seek emotional support (p ≤ 0.01). They were also more reluctant to endorse children's responsibility to make a treatment decision and are less likely to be fully satisfied with the decision-making process (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions The findings suggest some differences in beliefs and cultural values between African American and White caregivers. African American caregivers appear to believe more in the possibility of curative care for advanced lung cancer and eschew hospice care. The findings inform possible challenges regarding communication about end-of-life treatment and care with African American caregivers and a need for the provision of adequate information and education.