Understanding youth experiences with chronic illness at a safety net hospital: Challenges, coping, and resilience

This study examined the lived experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with chronic illnesses at a safety net hospital, with nearly 90% identifying as ethnically and racially minoritized. Interviews were conducted with patients (N = 19) aged 16-20 years old, who are living with at least one chronic illness. Interviews were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes captured the impact of illness and resilience processes: (1) My Condition Affects My Body, (2) My Condition Restricts My Life, (3) My Condition Impacts My Emotional Well-Being, and (4) I Can Still Be Healthy. Themes were verified through a Community Advisory Board of AYA with chronic illness. Participants described how symptoms, side effects, and restrictions negatively impact their physical and emotional well-being. Despite challenges, AYA demonstrated resilience through individualized, trial-and-error coping strategies that buffered illness-related distress. These findings underscore the importance of culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate interventions to support the well-being of minoritized AYA with chronic illness.