Support and Informational Needs of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Women Coping with Advanced Cancer: A Pilot Observational Study

• Published in: Journal of social work in end-of-life & palliative care Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 150 - 167
• Main Authors: Simhi, Meital, Yoselis, Aviva
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Routledge 03.04.2023; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Advanced cancer; Cancer; Coping; cross cultural care; Disclosure; End of life decisions; Female; Health care; Health services; Humans; Information; Jewish people; Jews - psychology; Judaism - psychology; Medical diagnosis; Medical prognosis; Minority & ethnic groups; Minority groups; Needs; Neoplasms; Observational studies; Orthodox Jews; Palliative Care; Perceived social support; Psychological distress; Psychological problems; Religious orthodoxy; Social perception; Social support; ultra-Orthodox Jewish women; Women; cross cultural care; Advanced cancer; ultra-Orthodox Jewish women; palliative care
• ISSN: 1552-4256; 1552-4264
• DOI: 10.1080/15524256.2023.2220080

In Israel, as in other countries, the emotional and physical needs of minority populations receiving palliative care, are largely unknown. The ultra-Orthodox Jewish sector is one such minority population. This study's goal was to identify perceived social support, desire to receive information about illness and prognosis, and willingness to disclose information to others. Various measures assessing perception of social support, psychological symptoms and information disclosure were completed. Fifty-one women consented to participate; approximately 50% of participants had disclosed the diagnosis to their rabbi or a friend, in addition to their spouse. Almost all of the participants would want to be told if their condition were worsening (86.3%), yet only 17.6% reported that their doctor had discussed future care options if their health situation were to worsen. Overall, participants felt that the level of support they received was high and reported low levels of mental distress. This is the first known study regarding perceptions and needs of ultra-Orthodox Jewish women with advanced-stage cancer. Both diagnosis disclosure and palliative care options should be addressed and discussed with these patients so they may make important end-of-life decisions.