Young people with cancer: online information and support needs

Young people with cancer: online information and support needs - Video Abstract [ID 173115]

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Video abstract of an original research “Online information and support needs of young people with cancer: a participatory action research study” published in the open access journal Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics by authors Lea, Matins, Morgan et al.

Purpose: The Internet is a fully integrated part of young people’s life and it is pivotal that
online resources are developed to maximize the potential of the Internet to support those
living with and beyond cancer. We sought to understand how young people with a cancer
diagnosis use the Internet and to what extent information and support needs are met by
existing online resources.

Patients and methods: This was a participatory action research study involving 21 young
people participating in workshops and individual interviews. Participants aged 13–24 years were
diagnosed with a range of cancers. Young people were on treatment or had completed treatment;
some had experienced relapse. Workshops consisted of participatory methods including focus
group discussions, interactive activities, and individual thought, encompassing online resources
used; when, how and what they were searching for, whether resources were helpful and how
they could be improved.

Results: Young people reported using communication platforms, entertainment sites, social
media, medical websites, charity websites, and search engines to find information and support.
Different online use and needs were described throughout their cancer timeline and online use
was generally driven by negative emotions. Seven factors influenced access and engagement:
1) where young people were on their cancer timeline; 2) external influencing factors, such as
family and environments; 3) emotional drivers; 4) what young people search for online; 5)
resources, websites, and digital platforms used by young people; 6) availability, accessibility,
and assessment of online information and resources; 7) emotional responses to using online
resources.

Conclusion: The way young people access and engage with online resources is complex with
multiple influencing factors including powerful emotional drivers and responses to Internet
searching. There is a need to develop resources that support the holistic needs of young people
and this should be done in collaboration with young people.

Read this original research paper here: https://www.dovepress.com/onli....ne-information-and-s

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