Experience of Young Adults with Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study on Health Care and Psycho-Emotional Impact

Experiencia de adultos jóvenes con cáncer durante la pandemia de COVID-19: un estudio cualitativo sobre la atención sanitaria y el impacto psicoemocional

Experiência de jovens adultos com câncer durante a pandemia de COVID-19: um estudo qualitativo sobre cuidados de saúde e impacto psicoemocional

Moreira, Sabrina Nathiéle da Costa - Barboza, Michele Cristiene Nachtigall - Gabatz, Ruth Irmgard Bartschi - Linck, Caroline de Leon - Rutz, Nádia Regina - Peter, Patricia Affeldt
Detalles Bibliográficos
2025
enfermagem
COVID-19
neoplasias
adulto jovem
estresse psicológico
enfermería
COVID-19
neoplasias
adulto joven
estrés psicológico
nursing
COVID-19
neoplasms
young adult
psychological stress
Portugués
Universidad Católica del Uruguay
LIBERI
https://revistas.ucu.edu.uy/index.php/enfermeriacuidadoshumanizados/article/view/4076
https://hdl.handle.net/10895/6370
Acceso abierto
Resumen:
Sumario:Objective: To understand the experiences of young adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their psycho-emotional well-being. Methodology: A qualitative case study approach, with data collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with young adults who underwent cancer treatment between March 2020 and December 2021 at a chemotherapy center in southern Brazil. The data was organized using WebQDA software and analyzed thematically. Results: The study revealed that, according to the participants, there were few changes in the oncology treatment process during the COVID-19 pandemic, and these were linked to the delay in starting treatment and delays in specialist consultations. Participants expressed concerns about contracting the virus due to the low immunity caused by cancer treatment. Additionally, strict protective measures, such as isolation, significantly affected the young adults undergoing treatment. They had to suspend their activities and distance themselves from their families, leading to negative emotional impacts. Conclusions: It can be considered that young people with cancer in the pandemic context require support from health services, particularly regarding accurate information, diagnosis, and early treatment, as delays in these processes can directly affect patient survival. Providing mental health care strategies also helps to combat both cancer and COVID-19.