ADOLESCENTS EXPERIENCING PARENTAL CANCER: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

ABSTRACT

Objective:

to analyze the needs of adolescents experiencing parental cancer.

Method:

an exploratory and descriptive qualitative study. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews in 2021. The convenience sample was composed of adolescents aged 14-19, with parents with oncological disease in the treatment phase, followed in a Portuguese oncology hospital. Data processing was carried out using content analysis.

Results:

from the analysis of the 13 interviews, five domains emerged: Coping with the disease; Knowledge about the disease; Previous experiences with the oncological disease; Experiencing parental cancer; and Somatic changes. The results show that adolescents experiencing parental cancer have emotional, educational and psychosocial needs.

Conclusion:

this study allowed us to understand adolescents’ needs, understanding the difficulties experienced and the challenges that the experience entails. The results will support the design of a nursing intervention program for the dyad experiencing parental cancer.

DESCRIPTORS:
Adolescents; Parents; Neoplasms; Nursing; Qualitative Research

HIGHLIGHTS

Analysis of the needs of adolescents experiencing parental cancer.

Adolescents demonstrate emotional, educational and psychosocial needs.

Development of nursing intervention programs.