Aims: Significant unmet emotional support needs have been identified among cancer caregivers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities (1-3). Social support and connection have been shown to improve psychological outcomes and reduce burden in caregivers (4-6). This study aimed to explore, qualitatively, whether and how social support was used to manage emotional wellbeing among CALD cancer caregivers.
Methods: Chinese (n=12) and Arabic (n=12) speaking cancer caregivers residing in Australia participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants were, on average, 40.6 years, most were female (83%) and provided care to a parent (41.67%). Thematic analysis was used (7).
Results: Five overarching themes emerged that described caregivers’ perspectives on the utilisation and importance of social support. Themes included: (1) receiving emotional support from social networks, (2) barriers to accessing emotional support from social networks (responsibility to protect others from burden; reliance on oneself and stoicism; avoiding discussions as a coping mechanism; cancer, death and illness as taboo topics), (3) isolation and loss of connection following a cancer diagnosis, (4) faith as a source of support, and (5) utility of support groups and caregiver advocates.
Although some caregivers relied on social networks for emotional support, caregivers identified a number of cultural and generational barriers to seeking support from their social networks. These barriers prevented caregivers disclosing their emotions and caregiving situation to members of their social network. As a result, some caregivers felt isolated from their support systems, reporting difficulties disclosing their caregiving circumstances, and seeking emotional support.
Conclusions: Development and assessment of culturally appropriate strategies designed to improve social support seeking for caregivers from CALD communities to improve emotional wellbeing is warranted.