Characteristics of breast cancer survivors that predict partners' participation in research.

BACKGROUND: Psycho-oncology couples' research frequently includes fewer than 50 % of those eligible.

PURPOSE: This research examined individual and relationship characteristics associated with recruitment and retention of breast cancer survivors' partners.

METHODS: Investigators asked survivors from the Moving Beyond Cancer trial for permission to invite their partners to a parallel, longitudinal study.

RESULTS: Of 384 survivors with male partners, 280 survivors provided consent to contact partners, and 164 partners completed both assessments. Backward stepwise regression indicated that greater family income and support from a partner and helpful other increased the likelihood of survivor consent to contact her partner. Greater family income, better survivor physical and emotional quality of life, and white ethnicity increased the likelihood of partner participation.

CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer patients who are ethnic minorities, have lower socioeconomic status, or have poorer physical and mental quality of life appear less likely to participate in psycho-oncology couples' research, whereas women with supportive partners might be overrepresented.