Open Collections

Lee, Olivia Nicole

University of British Columbia

Background: Psychosocial challenges in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) affected by cancer encompass wide-ranging concerns, including emotional distress, impaired cognition, reduced self-concept, existential concerns, sexual and reproductive health issues, interruptions to education and/or employment, and strained relationships, which can have negative implications on quality of life. The prevalence of psychosocial challenges has been estimated to impact over 60% of AYAs affected by cancer. Yet, no synthesis of qualitative evidence describing psychosocial challenges from the perspectives of AYAs themselves has been conducted leaving important knowledge gaps. Further, healthcare providers (HCPs) have described lacking AYA- specific knowledge and skills to deliver age-tailored cancer care, possibly hindering their capacity to support this population. Objective: The primary objective of this systematic review was to appraise and synthesize qualitative evidence regarding the psychosocial challenges in AYAs affected by cancer. A secondary objective was to discuss implications for HCPs caring for this population. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched for qualitative studies published between 2006 and July 13, 2023. Included studies reported on psychosocial challenges experienced by AYAs, diagnosed with any cancer, between the ages of 15 and 39. A meta- aggregative approach was utilized to synthesize data and report the findings. Findings: Forty-seven articles were included and 13 distinct psychosocial challenges were generated that were organized into 4 overarching themes: (1) physical, (2) psychological, (3) interpersonal, and (4) daily living challenges. Clinical implications for HCPs were discussed in 25 articles and synthesized into 4 thematic findings: (1) providing information; (2) shared decision-making; (3) connecting to resources; and (4) assessing and affirming. Conclusion: This systematic review of qualitative research extends extant literature, affording an integrated and nuanced understanding of the psychosocial challenges in AYAs affected by a cancer experience. The findings provide insights that HCPs may utilize to better address the psychosocial challenges of this unique population through age-tailored and effective care.

Text

2024-05-01

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/88147

Nursing

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/