The experiences of adolescents receiving cancer treatment in Turkey: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE

The adolescents with cancer usually receive intensive chemotherapy in the hospital. Their experiences of the process can affect their lives. This study aimed to describe the experiences of hospitalised adolescents receiving cancer treatment.

METHODS

This study was conducted using a descriptive qualitative research design. Data were collected from 12 adolescents receiving cancer treatment in the paediatric haematology/oncology clinic at a university hospital in Turkey. Adolescents participated in one session of individual, unstructured mandala drawing. Individual interviews were then conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews, researcher observations and document analysis methods were used to produce and analyse data. Interview transcripts of the study were analysed using the content analysis method.

RESULTS

Two main themes with related sub-themes each were obtained: being an adolescent with cancer, with the sub-themes of changes in health, restriction of freedom and feeling lonely; and coping with cancer with the sub-themes of psychological growth and hope for healing.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents felt lonely and as though their freedom was restricted while they were hospitalised. Participants also noticed changes in their perspective on life and experienced psychological growth. Most of them hoped for healing and prayed to cope with cancer.