Abstract
Background: The achievement of developmental milestones of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is significantly challenged by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. To help with challenges in AYAs with cancer, various types of psychosocial support have been studied to cope with cancer and seek optimal well-being. However, despite differences among AYAs' developmental stages, AYAs with cancer are often treated as a homogeneous group in research and hospital settings.
Objective: The aim of this study was to identify and compare psychosocial support that facilitates the well-being of AYAs with cancer.
Methods: Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted on AYAs' perceived psychosocial support as expressed on an online cancer community. Themes were identified using qualitative content analysis, and descriptive quantitative methods were used to compare themes by age and gender.
Results: Seven themes emerged: coping skill building, self-transcendence, family support, support from friends, professional support, peer support including online and offline support groups, and accommodation. There were no significant differences in the frequency of posts between age and gender variables by theme. However, the details of the themes were qualitatively different by age and gender.
Conclusions: The psychosocial support AYAs perceived may differ by age and gender. This study suggests opportunities for nurses to contribute their support to AYAs' perceived psychosocial support throughout AYAs' cancer journeys.
Implication for Practice: The sources of support that can help AYAs with cancer should be routinely available rather than in response to crisis.