Perceived problems of parents of adolescents with cancer: A qualitative study

Cancer is a very unpleasant and unbelievable experience for parents and patients. The occurrence of this disease during adolescent as the most critical developmental stage can be associated with increasing psychological and social problems. The aim of the present research was to explain the perceived problems of parents caring for adolescents with cancer.

The present qualitative study was conducted using the content analysis method. Seventeen parents of adolescents with cancer were selected as participants by purposive sampling based on the inclusion criteria from December 2022 until November 2023. Continuous comparative data collection and analysis were carried out until reaching data saturation through semistructured interviews. Data analysis was also carried out using the qualitative content analysis method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. The reporting was carried out based on the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist.

The comparative and simultaneous data analysis led to the extraction of 345 primary codes, 13 subcategories, and 3 subcategories, which were finally included in one main category. The most common challenges of parents of adolescent cancer included three main concepts: "emotional concerns regarding the disease status," parental stressors during treatment and hospitalization," and "parental job stress".

The results showed that parents of adolescents with cancer face many challenges during the diagnosis and treatment process. Identification of these challenges can be helpful in developing a comprehensive care plan while considering the conditions of parents and affected adolescents in order to improve the quality of care.