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African-American Cancer Survivors’ Use of Religious Beliefs to Positively Influence the Utilization of Cancer Care

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Abstract

Among African-Americans, religion impacts health-seeking behaviors. This qualitative study used criterion purposeful sampling and thematic analysis in analysis of data from 31 African-American cancer patients to understand the influence of religion on the utilization of cancer care services. Our findings suggest that religious beliefs and practices positively influenced attitudes toward their illness and ability to endure treatment. God’s ability to heal and cure, God’s control over survival, God’s will over their lives, and God’s promise for health and prosperity were examples of survivor’s religious beliefs. Religious practices such as prayer promoted a trusting relationship with healthcare providers and were a source of strength and encouragement.

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Acknowledgments

The study in this report was supported with funds from the Center for Spirituality Theology and Health at Duke University (J. Hamilton, Principal Investigator) and the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center (J. Hamilton, Principal Investigator).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Community-Public Health, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Jill B. Hamilton

  2. School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carrington Hall, CB #7460, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA

    Kayoll V. Galbraith & Nakia C. Best

  3. Sisters Network, Inc., Triangle Chapter, Durham, NC, 27707, USA

    Valarie C. Worthy

  4. Center for Nursing Science and Clinical Inquiry, Womack Army Medical Center, U.S. Army, 2817 Reilly Road, Fort Bragg, NC, USA

    L. T. C. Angelo D. Moore

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  1. Jill B. Hamilton
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  2. Kayoll V. Galbraith
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  3. Nakia C. Best
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  4. Valarie C. Worthy
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  5. L. T. C. Angelo D. Moore
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Correspondence to Jill B. Hamilton.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, NINR, or the US Government.

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Hamilton, J.B., Galbraith, K.V., Best, N.C. et al. African-American Cancer Survivors’ Use of Religious Beliefs to Positively Influence the Utilization of Cancer Care. J Relig Health 54, 1856–1869 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-014-9948-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-014-9948-6

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