Cognitions about the post-discharge environment of survivors of childhood cancer that developed during adolescence

Abstract

 Purpose: The objective of this study was to elucidate the cognitions about the post discharge environment of survivors of childhood cancer that developed during adolescence.

 Methods: Data were collected using semi-structured interviews of 8 survivors (4 men, 4 women) of childhood cancer that developed during adolescence. At the time of their cancer diagnosis, 6 participants were in junior high school and 2 participants were in high school. Interview data were analyzed qualitatively and subjected to descriptive analysis.

 Result: In total, 42 sub-categories and 13 categories were extracted. Regarding the post-discharge environment, the survivors had thought about their families, friendships, school and social life, public awareness, and their future. Two cognitions about their families included [I felt support from my family]. Four cognitions about friendships included [I was able to spend my time with my friends as I usually do]. Two cognitions about school and social life included [I felt that my school life was progressing without problems]. Two cognitions about public awareness included [I become agitated when I saw media reports]. Three cognitions about the future included [I remember the disease when thinking about my future].

 Conclusion: The cognitions about the post-discharge environment of survivors of childhood cancer that developed during adolescence suggest that it is essential to provide nursing to support strengthening relationships with the family, spending time with friends while undergoing treatment, enjoying school and social life, living in society as a childhood cancer survivor, and planning for the future.