Development and evaluation of a support program for XXXX survivors in Alaska.

@entity1 @entity263 @entity5
BACKGROUND: @entity263 survivors in Alaska and elsewhere have unmet support needs. The @entity1 's @entity263 Survivorship Retreat, or " @entity1 's retreat," was developed targeting Alaska Native and non-Native @entity1 who were survivors of @entity263 . The program brought together survivors in a supportive environment to discuss and share their experiences. OBJECTIVE: Despite the proven effectiveness of support groups for improving quality of life for @entity5 @entity1 , @entity1 typically do not participate in formal support groups. This descriptive study was conducted to explore the needs of Alaska Native and @entity263 survivors and assess satisfaction and acceptability of a @entity1 's @entity5 survivorship retreat in Alaska. METHODS: @entity263 survivors (N=80) who attended @entity1 's retreats during 2009-2013 were asked to complete a retreat application and post-retreat evaluation. Comments regarding social support, helpful and valuable aspects of the retreat including overall satisfaction were reported. RESULTS: A @entity1 's retreat with activities that engage @entity1 can be successful for @entity263 survivors. Many @entity1 returned for successive retreats. After the retreat, 97% of the @entity1 said they would continue with support activities. CONCLUSION: The @entity1 's retreat provides a valued opportunity for @entity1 to interact with other survivors and access information from health professionals. The results from this study highlight a successful model for social support and resources specific to male @entity263 survivors.
