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Evaluating Fatalism Among Breast Cancer Survivors in a Heterogeneous Hispanic Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
by
, ,
Liara Lopez Torralba
1, 
Brian Sukhu
2,
Maria Eduarda de Azevedo Daruge
2,
Jongik Chung
3,
Victoria Loerzel
4 and
Eunkyung Lee
2,* 1
Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
2
Department of Health Sciences, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
3
Department of Statistics and Data Science, College of Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
4
Department of Nursing Practice, College of Nursing, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Curr. Oncol. 2025, 32(8), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32080461
Submission received: 30 June 2025
/
Revised: 6 August 2025
/
Accepted: 12 August 2025
/
Published: 15 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathways to Recovery and Resilience in Breast Cancer Survivorship)
Simple Summary
A key factor affecting the quality of life among Hispanic breast cancer survivors is fatalism, the belief that events are predetermined and beyond personal control. Our study in Central Florida found that these survivors exhibited moderate fatalism, often linked to strong religious beliefs and an internal locus of control. Individuals from Dominican, Mexican, and Venezuelan backgrounds showed higher fatalism, while those with higher incomes, more education, and greater English use reported lower levels. Healthcare providers should recognize patients with higher fatalism and adapt their approaches accordingly. These insights can help develop culturally sensitive interventions and support strategies to enhance patients’ sense of control
Abstract
Hispanic breast cancer survivors reported worse quality of life, and fatalism is considered one of the mediators for this disparity. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with fatalism within a diverse Hispanic population. Hispanic origin was self-reported, and the Multidimensional Fatalism Measure questionnaire, a validated tool that measures fatalism across multiple dimensions, was used to assess fatalism. A total of 390 women, consisting of 210 Puerto Ricans, 34 Colombians, 29 Dominicans, 25 Cubans, 24 Venezuelans, 22 Mexicans, and 46 individuals of other Hispanic backgrounds, completed the fatalism assessment. The mean fatalism score was 16.4 (95% CI = 15.8–17.0), characterized by a high internal locus of control and strong religious beliefs, along with moderate beliefs in luck and a low external locus of control. The higher fatalism scores were reported in Dominican, Mexican, and Venezuelan groups, while Colombians reported the lowest score. Multivariable analysis showed that Colombians (β = −4.0), individuals with higher household incomes (β = −2.3 for USD 20,000–USD 75,000, β = −2.4 for ≥75,000), higher education levels (β = −1.9), and those using English more frequently at home (β = −2.0) reported lower fatalism compared to their reference group. To enhance the quality of life for these survivors, culturally tailored interventions should focus on improving perceived control and mitigating fatalism.
Keywords:
breast cancer; fatalism; Hispanic; cancer survivorship; disparity; country of origin
