Acculturation, Mental Health, and Wellbeing Among Hispanic/Latinx Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer

J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2022 Apr;11(2):223-228. doi: 10.1089/jayao.2021.0029. Epub 2021 Jul 19.

Abstract

Purpose: Ethnic disparities in childhood cancer survivor (CCS) mental health have been identified, although prior survivorship research has focused predominantly on non-Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) white survivors. Methods: This study examined the association of acculturation with depressive symptoms and wellbeing among 582 young adult H/L CCS recruited to a population-based study of CCS in Southern California. Results: In multivariable regression models adjusted for covariates, greater identification with both the Hispanic and Anglo cultures was positively associated with wellbeing (p = 0.007 and p < 0.0001, respectively), and Hispanic cultural identification was associated with fewer depressive symptoms (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Greater understanding of unique protective factors among minority CCS may inform tailored interventions promoting mental health.

Keywords: Hispanic; acculturation; depression; mental health; survivorship; wellbeing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acculturation
  • Cancer Survivors* / psychology
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Mental Health
  • Neoplasms* / psychology
  • Survivors
  • Young Adult