Background and aims: Informal caregivers of people with cancer from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities have reported significant unmet information and emotional support needs, yet few studies have examined determinants of unmet needs and satisfaction with support received. To this end, we explored experiences with cancer-related information and seeking emotional support from among cancer caregivers from CALD communities in Australia.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 cancer caregivers from Chinese- and Arabic-speaking backgrounds. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Caregivers’ were on average aged 40.6 years, the majority were female (83%), and over one-third were providing care to a parent (41.67%). Regarding experiences with cancer-related information, caregivers described language and communication barriers which negatively impacted their capacity to understand cancer-related information, with personal time and effort invested to clarify information in-language. Access to formal interpreter services for CALD consumers who were proficient in English was also highlighted. Ensuring cultural sensitivity of providers during cancer-related discussions was also identified. Regarding experiences with social support, most caregivers identified key cultural and generational barriers to seeking emotional support from their social networks. These barriers prevented caregivers from discussing their caregiving role and related emotions. Most caregivers also described feeling isolated from their social networks.
Conclusions: To optimise cancer-related knowledge for CALD caregivers, recommendations include: development of culturally-tailored outreach programs to provide key cancer-related information for culturally diverse cancer consumers; access to providers from culturally diverse backgrounds and; ensuring providers are trained in culturally responsive communication to facilitate person-centered care. To enhance received support from social networks, education for CALD cancer consumers on mental health symptoms, help-seeking strategies, and benefits of disclosing thoughts and feelings with others is recommended. Culturally centred strategies have the potential to improve the health outcomes of caregivers and enhance care provision for care recipients.