Morven C Brown1,2, Anna Haste3,4, Vera Araújo-Soares3,5, Roderick Skinner5,6,7, Linda Sharp3,5. 1. Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, NE1 4LP,, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. morven.brown@newcastle.ac.uk. 2. Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. morven.brown@newcastle.ac.uk. 3. Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Sir James Spence Institute, Royal Victoria Infirmary, NE1 4LP,, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. 4. School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK. 5. Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. 6. Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. 7. Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) are at increased risk of chronic health problems. Effective self-management could help CCSs cope with the challenges that accompany survivorship and reduce their risk of developing further health problems. There is little evidence about the extent to which CCSs engage with self-management and the specific strategies they use. This study aimed to identify and explore the strategies that CCSs use to manage the consequences of cancer. METHODS: Twenty-four CCSs were recruited via follow-up clinics. Participants completed a semi-structured interview which was audio-recorded and transcribed. Directed content analysis was used to identify self-reported self-management strategies and categorise them into main self-management types. RESULTS: CCSs reported 118 specific self-management strategies which fell under 20 main self-management strategy types. All CCSs reported using several main self-management strategy types and specific self-management strategies. Main strategy types used by all CCSs were "adopting a healthy lifestyle", "self-motivating", "using support", "reasoned decision-making" and "creating a healthy environment". The most common specific self-management strategies were "receiving family support" (n = 20) and "attending follow-up and screening appointments" (n = 20). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study which has enabled CCSs to self-report the numerous strategies they employ to look after their health and well-being, contributing to a more comprehensive picture of self-management in CCSs. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: These findings may increase healthcare professionals' awareness of the many ways in which CCSs manage their health and is a valuable first step in the development of a supported self-management intervention for CCSs in follow-up care.
PURPOSE: Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) are at increased risk of chronic health problems. Effective self-management could help CCSs cope with the challenges that accompany survivorship and reduce their risk of developing further health problems. There is little evidence about the extent to which CCSs engage with self-management and the specific strategies they use. This study aimed to identify and explore the strategies that CCSs use to manage the consequences of cancer. METHODS: Twenty-four CCSs were recruited via follow-up clinics. Participants completed a semi-structured interview which was audio-recorded and transcribed. Directed content analysis was used to identify self-reported self-management strategies and categorise them into main self-management types. RESULTS: CCSs reported 118 specific self-management strategies which fell under 20 main self-management strategy types. All CCSs reported using several main self-management strategy types and specific self-management strategies. Main strategy types used by all CCSs were "adopting a healthy lifestyle", "self-motivating", "using support", "reasoned decision-making" and "creating a healthy environment". The most common specific self-management strategies were "receiving family support" (n = 20) and "attending follow-up and screening appointments" (n = 20). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study which has enabled CCSs to self-report the numerous strategies they employ to look after their health and well-being, contributing to a more comprehensive picture of self-management in CCSs. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: These findings may increase healthcare professionals' awareness of the many ways in which CCSs manage their health and is a valuable first step in the development of a supported self-management intervention for CCSs in follow-up care.
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