Needs and wishes for online peer support for AYAs during and after cancer treatment

• Introduction There is a need for various types of support for AYAs during and after cancer treatment. This may be provided either face-to-face or online. Peer support, i.e., individuals meeting as equals to give each other support, is one way to provide support. This study aims to explore the needs and wishes for peer support online during and after cancer treatment among AYAs. Methodology This work was conducted in collaboration with AYA cancer survivors as part of an innovation project developing interventions specific to the AYA cancer population. Data consists of dyadic interviews (N=29) and a web-based questionnaire (N=55) inquiring the needs and wishes of AYA cancer survivors, aged 15-30. The results from both studies were analyzed jointly to find comparability and differences in the outcome. Results Participants highlighted the need for support regarding physical, psychological, and social complications during and after cancer treatment. They reported difficulties finding the right forum for discussion and support for these issues. They expressed wishes for peer support online. Such a forum needs to be secure in terms of data safety, yet at the same time be easy to access, preferably on a mobile phone. Participants expressed a wish to interact with similar others in both group discussions and one-on-one, to find and give support on the basis on their lived experiences or just read others stories to find comfort. Discussion/Conclusion Peer support online does not replace face-to-face interaction but can function as an important complement. The online format facilitates meetings and exchanges that would otherwise not happen. A secure online forum with low-threshold access to a community of peers may offer vital opportunities for AYAs to support one another emotionally. Furthermore, it offers a space for discussing issues relating to physical, psychological, and social complications stemming from their cancer experience.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Medie- och kommunikationsvetenskap -- Mänsklig interaktion med IKT (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Media and Communications -- Human Aspects of ICT (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)