Health Social Networks of Black Women With Hypertension

Background The prevalence of hypertension is 55% among African American/Black women, who have a higher risk for poor health outcomes compared to women from other racial and ethnic groups, in part because of uncontrolled blood pressure. Previous research results suggest that peers may positively influence self-management of chronic conditions like hypertension. However, few studies have described the personal characteristics of peers in the health social networks of Black women. Objective This substudy aimed to examine health social networks and describe the peers’ characteristics, as reported by a convenience sample of Black women with hypertension. Methods In this analysis of data from a larger study, 94 Black women with hypertension attending a church conference participated in a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Their mean age was 59 years, and their mean systolic blood pressure was 143 mm Hg. All participants completed a survey to gather data about (a) the characteristics of individuals they discussed health matters with (their peers or health social network) and (b) their perceptions about hypertension status and knowledge of hypertension among the peers in their health social network. Results Collectively, participants from the larger study named a total of 658 peers who were part of their health social networks; the mean health social network size was six peers. The peers were mostly women, Black, family members, and, on average, 54 years old. The participants discussed hypertension with 71% of the peers, reported that 36% had hypertension, and felt that 67% were somewhat or very knowledgeable about the condition. A small, positive correlation existed between the participants’ health social network size (number of peers named) and their systolic blood pressure levels. Discussion The health social network peers were similar to those in the larger study, with most of the same gender, race, and age. The findings of this analysis may be used to help practitioners and scientists guide patients in building health social networks for support in self-managing hypertension and conducting future studies to examine the best strategies for developing and using health social networks to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.

An Evaluation of the Multifactorial Model of Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment

Background Up to 45% of patients report cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). A variety of characteristics are associated with the occurrence and/or severity of CRCI. However, an important gap in knowledge of risk factors for CRCI is the relative contribution of each factor. The multifactorial model of cancer-related cognitive impairment (MMCRCI) is a conceptual model of CRCI that can be used to evaluate the strength of relationships between various factors and CRCI. Objectives The purpose of this study was to use structural regression methods to evaluate the MMCRCI using data from a large sample of outpatients receiving chemotherapy (n = 1,343). Specifically, the relationships between self-reported CRCI and four MMCRCI concepts (i.e., social determinants of health, patient-specific factors, treatment factors, and co-occurring symptoms) were examined. The goals were to determine how well the four concepts predicted CRCI and determine the relative contribution of each concept to deficits in perceived cognitive function. Methods This study is part of a larger, longitudinal study that evaluated the symptom experience of oncology outpatients receiving chemotherapy. Adult patients were diagnosed with breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, or lung cancer; had received chemotherapy within the preceding 4 weeks; were scheduled to receive at least two additional cycles of chemotherapy; were able to read, write, and understand English; and gave written informed consent. Self-reported CRCI was assessed using the attentional function index. Available study data were used to define the latent variables. Results On average, patients were 57 years of age, college educated, and with a mean Karnofsky Performance Status score of 80. Of the four concepts evaluated, whereas co-occurring symptoms explained the largest amount of variance in CRCI, treatment factors explained the smallest amount of variance. A simultaneous structural regression model that estimated the joint effect of the four exogenous latent variables on the CRCI latent variable was not significant. Discussion These findings suggest that testing individual components of the MMCRCI may provide useful information on the relationships among various risk factors, as well as refinements of the model. In terms of risk factors for CRCI, co-occurring symptoms may be more significant than treatment factors, patient-specific factors, and/or social determinants of health in patients receiving chemotherapy.

Distinct Profiles of Morning and Evening Fatigue Co-Occurrence in Patients During Chemotherapy

Background Morning and evening fatigue are distinct and distressing symptoms experienced during chemotherapy that demonstrate a large amount of interindividual variability. Objectives The objectives of this study were to identify subgroups of patients with distinct morning and evening fatigue co-occurrence profiles and evaluate for differences among these subgroups in demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics and quality of life. Methods Oncology patients (n = 1,334) completed the Lee Fatigue Scale to self-report morning and evening fatigue, six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct morning and evening physical fatigue profiles. Results Four distinct morning and evening fatigue profiles were identified (i.e., Both Low, Low Morning + Moderate Evening, Both Moderate, and Both High). Compared to the Both Low profile, the Both High profile was significantly younger, less likely to be married or partnered, more likely to live alone, had a higher comorbidity burden, and lower functional status. The Both High profile had higher levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance, and pain and lower levels of quality of life. Discussion The variability in the morning and evening severity scores among the four profiles supports the hypothesis that morning and evening fatigue are distinct but related symptoms. Clinically meaningful levels of both morning and evening fatigue were reported by 50.4% of our sample, which suggests that the co-occurrence of these two symptoms is relatively common. Patients in Both Moderate and Both High profiles experienced an extremely high symptom burden that warrants ongoing assessments and aggressive symptom management interventions.