1. Peer Support Needs of Adolescents with Cancer in Pediatrics: A Canadian Mixed Methods Study
- Author
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Jacqueline L. Bender, Katye Stevens, Christopher A Klinger, Heather Colquhoun, Philippe Desmarais, Abha A. Gupta, and Danielle R Weidman
- Subjects
Canada ,Pediatrics ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adolescent ,business.industry ,Emotions ,education ,Psychological intervention ,Social Support ,Peer support ,Experiential learning ,Oncology ,Neoplasms ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,Intervention (counseling) ,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health ,medicine ,Humans ,Support system ,Social media ,Young adult ,Child ,business ,Social Media ,After treatment - Abstract
Adolescents with cancer (AWC) in pediatrics may not have adequate opportunities for peer support. This mixed methods study aimed to characterize peer support needs of AWC during or shortly after treatment. Ten AWC with median age 16.5 (range 14-18) years completed a survey and semistructured interview. Three themes were apparent: cancer journey difficulties, current support system, and peer support perspectives. Participants felt incompletely understood by existing supports, lacked connection with other AWC, and craved experiential information. Peer support interventions should be flexible, facilitate various interactions, and include social media. The next step is to implement and evaluate an intervention.
- Published
- 2022
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