Cancer Survivors' Experiences With Six Months of Community Health Worker Health‐Related Social Needs Support: A Qualitative Analysis of Perceived Impact
Arianna Milicia, Marjanna Smith, Jessica Rivera Rivera, Mandi L. Pratt‐Chapman, Kimberly Davis, Hannah AremABSTRACT
Background
Cancer survivors face persistent social, emotional, and practical challenges that can worsen health and quality of life. These unmet needs disproportionately affect Black cancer survivors and contribute to inequitable outcomes.
Aims
This qualitative study explores the experiences and preferences of Black cancer survivors participating in a community health worker (CHW) supported intervention to assess and address health‐related social needs (HRSNs).
Methods
Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with participants enrolled in a 6‐month CHW intervention in the United States to assess and address social needs. A mix of inductive and deductive coding was used within a constructivist framework to identify themes aligning with Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) social support and quality of life (QOL) domains.
Results
Thirty interviews were conducted. Most participants were female ( n = 22), had breast cancer ( n = 14), and experienced social needs ( n = 22). Participants described significant emotional, practical, and financial challenges during survivorship. Participants commonly cited that CHWs provided significant emotional support, as well as food and transportation referrals. Over half of participants reported increased awareness and self‐efficacy in navigating community resources. Most participants reported improvements in quality of life, particularly with enhanced emotional well‐being and instrumental support, that were vital to their daily functioning.
Conclusion
Consistent, monthly phone‐based CHW support improved emotional well‐being, self‐efficacy, and overall quality of life. Future research should explore the impact of interventions on psychometrically validated quality of life measures and receipt of appropriate survivorship care.