Abstrait

The needs of adolescents with leukemia in northeastern Thailand: Qualitative study.

Patraporn Saritshasombat, Bampenchit Sangchart

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the needs of adolescents with leukemia who received the treatment and follow-up treatment at a large tertiary care hospital in the northeastern Thailand. Methods: This was qualitative research obtaining the information using in-depth interviews and observation techniques. Content analysis was employed to analyze qualitative information obtained from the study. The researcher purposively selected the key informants with specific qualification. The total number 15 adolescents with leukemia were recruited to participate in the study. The qualitative information was obtained from the key informants until the data saturation has been reached. Results: The findings showed 2 key important issues were found including 1) The meaning of adolescents with leukemia; and 2) The needs of adolescents with leukemia. The needs were classified into five sub-categories: (1) The need to obtain information related to the disease and its treatment; (2) The need for care to relieve the symptoms; (3) The need for continuing education; (4) The need for having a career; and (5) The need to live a normal teenage life. Conclusion: The findings of this study are very important for improving care for adolescents with leukemia; therefore, the needs of adolescents adhering to the principles of family center care should be taken into account. The recommendations obtained from the study should be discussed among nurses, primary caregivers, schools and local administrative organizations in order to design and provide mutual care for adolescents with leukemia and to improve quality of life through holistic approaches.