Evaluating Fatalism Among Breast Cancer Survivors in a Heterogeneous Hispanic Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

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.