Social support and healthcare utilization of caregivers of Latinas with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND

Family caregivers experience significant health consequences related to caregiving, including higher mortality rates. Latino caregivers may have additional challenges related to social determinants of health. Gender and social support are key factors to consider in the context of chronic illnesses and healthcare use in caregivers of Latinos diagnosed with cancer.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effect of gender and social support on the relationship between chronic illnesses and healthcare utilization in caregivers of Latina breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of family caregivers from an experimental study with breast cancer survivors and their designated family caregivers. Participants completed telephone surveys about demographics, presence of chronic illnesses, frequency of emergency department, urgent care, and hospital visits, social support, and acculturation. Data were analyzed for direct and moderated relationships.

RESULTS

There was a significant relationship between number of chronic illnesses and healthcare utilization, informational support, and social isolation. Income and acculturation were not related to chronic illnesses or healthcare utilization. Gender did not moderate the relationship between chronic illnesses and healthcare utilization. Informational support was a marginal moderator of the relationship between chronic illnesses and healthcare utilization alone and with acculturation and income included as covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should consider the influence of informational support and social isolation on chronic illnesses and healthcare use in caregivers of Latina breast cancer survivors, specifically, how these factors may influence navigation of the healthcare system.