Dr. Elise Radina - Associate Professor, Family Studies & Social Work http://hdl.handle.net/2374.MIA/5149 2026-04-05T18:49:12Z 2026-04-05T18:49:12Z Longo, Daniel R. Ge, Bin Radina, M. Elise Greiner, Allen Williams, Casey D. Longo, Gregory S. Mouzon, Dawne M. Natale-Pereira, Ana Salas-Lopez, Debbie http://hdl.handle.net/2374.MIA/4435 2014-09-02T19:32:52Z 2011-06-07T00:00:00Z

Understanding breast-cancer patients’ perceptions: Health information-seeking behaviour and passive information receipt Longo, Daniel R.; Ge, Bin; Radina, M. Elise; Greiner, Allen; Williams, Casey D.; Longo, Gregory S.; Mouzon, Dawne M.; Natale-Pereira, Ana; Salas-Lopez, Debbie It is critical to understand patients’ information use from the patient perspective, especially when patients are from different cultures and levels of health literacy. A cross-sectional survey supplemented with interviews of breast cancer survivors including both Latina and non- Latina women was undertaken. Subjects were classified as active information seekers, passive information receivers, and/or users of information. Subjects were further classified by stage of information use, progressing from unawareness or awareness of available information to use or non-use of information to make health decisions. Information sources used and use patterns were examined. Most were active information seekers; many were also passive receivers. Healthcare providers remain the primary information source. Interpersonal communication was far more often cited than either the internet or traditional print and broadcast media. Important cross-cultural differences were found. This study provides insight into how patients use actively sought and passively received information. Despite dramatic growth of the internet and other new media, healthcare providers currently remain keys to health information. Findings may help develop more successful communication strategies when viewed in light of the National Cancer Institute’s ‘Making Health Communication Programs Work’ and the four stages it proposes. It is hoped that future work will focus on evidence-based methods to improve health communication, especially for vulnerable populations. A major lesson learned is the importance of understanding where patients decided to seek information outside the traditional provideroriented approach taken in many health education programmes.

2011-06-07T00:00:00Z Radina, Elise Armer, Jane http://hdl.handle.net/2374.MIA/4434 2014-09-02T19:32:59Z 2011-06-07T00:00:00Z

Post–Breast Cancer Lymphedema and the Family: A Qualitative Investigation of Families Coping With Chronic Illness Radina, Elise; Armer, Jane The number of women who experience breast cancer is increasing. Meanwhile there have been improvements in technologies used for detection and intervention. As a result, more women are living as breast cancer survivors who are now dealing with issues of quality of life related to the aftereffects of treatments. For about one third of women who have treatments involving the removal of and/or irradiation of the axillary lymph nodes, secondary lymphedema of the arm is likely to develop.We take a qualitative approach to investigating how lymphedema affects these women and their families in terms of task completion and family functioning. The Family Adjustment and Adaptation Response (FAAR) Model is used to interpret findings. These indicate that families who are more flexible in modifying daily tasks and who have preexisting resources for coping with stressors have more positive outcomes than do those families who are rigid and cope with stressors poorly.

2011-06-07T00:00:00Z Radina, Elise http://hdl.handle.net/2374.MIA/4433 2014-09-04T13:09:37Z 2011-06-07T00:00:00Z

Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Implications for Family Leisure Participation Radina, Elise An estimated 20% of breast cancer survivors face the chronic condition of breast cancer related lymphedema. This study explored the ways in which women with this condition experienced changes in their participation in family leisure as one indicator of family functioning. Participants (N = 27) were interviewed regarding lifestyles before and after lymphedema, perceptions of personal independence, relationships with others, and personal coping. Data were analyzed using a cooperative, inductive format. Participants described a heightened sense of caution regarding participation in family leisure activities. Participants coped with lymphedema by either modifying the way they participated or not taking part in family leisure activities. Professionals may use these findings to assist women and their families in modifying leisure activities and exploring new activities.

2011-06-07T00:00:00Z