A qualitative study on the perceptions of illness and hospitalization of school age children with cancer

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to examine the perceptions of school-age children with cancer regarding their illness and hospitalization and the effects of these perceptions on their lives. Individual interviews were conducted with 16 school-age children with cancer. All interviews were recorded as audio, transcribed, and analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Regarding the illness and hospitalization perceptions of the school-age children with cancer who were included in the study, three themes were identified: (1) Emotions difficult to cope with, (2) Feeling restricted, and (3) Being strong. School-age children diagnosed with cancer often experience fear of death, treatment and procedures, uncertainty about the disease and the future, and feelings of guilt. They may become distant from family, school, and peers and experience restrictions in nutrition and activities. Additionally, they may try to appear strong during hospitalisation by hiding their emotions, maintaining optimistic thoughts, and seeking support. The illness and hospitalization perceptions of school-age children with cancer included both a positive theme such as being strong and negative themes such as feeling restricted and having difficulty in coping. In addition to care and interventions, pediatric oncology nurses are recommended to ensure that children maintain their interaction with their families and friends and express their feelings, and they should support children 's hopes with practices such as psychological guidance.