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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health

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01-08-2009 | Original Paper

Fatalism or Destiny? A Qualitative Study and Interpretative Framework on Dominican Women’s Breast Cancer Beliefs

Authors: Karen R. Flórez, Alejandra N. Aguirre, Anahí Viladrich, Amarilis Céspedes, Ana Alicia De La Cruz, Ana F. Abraído-Lanza

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 4/2009

Abstract

Background A growing literature on Latino’s beliefs about cancer focuses on the concept of fatalismo (fatalism), despite numerous conceptual ambiguities concerning its meaning, definition, and measurement. This study explored Latina women’s views on breast cancer and screening within a cultural framework of destino (“destiny”), or the notion that both personal agency and external forces can influence health and life events. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 Latinas from the Dominican Republic aged 40 or over. Results Respondents reported complex notions of health locus of control that encompassed both internal (e.g., individual action) and external (e.g., the will of God) forces shaping breast cancer prevention efforts. Furthermore, women actively participated in screening because they believed that cancer could become a death sentence if diagnosed late or left untreated. Discussion In contrast to simplistic notions of “fatalism”, our analysis suggests complex strategies and beliefs regarding breast cancer and cancer screening that speak of resiliency rather than hopelessness.

All respondent names are pseudonyms.

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Title: Fatalism or Destiny? A Qualitative Study and Interpretative Framework on Dominican Women’s Breast Cancer Beliefs
Authors: Karen R. Flórez
Alejandra N. Aguirre
Anahí Viladrich
Amarilis Céspedes
Ana Alicia De La Cruz
Ana F. Abraído-Lanza
Publication date: 01-08-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 4/2009
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-008-9118-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Fatalism or Destiny? A Qualitative Study and Interpretative Framework on Dominican Women’s Breast Cancer Beliefs

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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