Chronic illness experiences for young adults: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Health Psychology
• Adolescent Medicine
• Chronic Disease Management

Background:

• Young adults (19-29 years) with physical chronic illnesses experience unique challenges.
• Navigating healthcare and social support systems is complex during this developmental stage.
• Understanding the lived experiences of this demographic is vital for tailored interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences and impacts of physical chronic illnesses on young people.
• To identify specific challenges faced by young adults in managing long-term health conditions.
• To inform the development of improved healthcare and support strategies.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews.
• Interviews conducted via video call (n=14) or face-to-face (n=19).
• Participants (n=33) were Australian young adults aged 19-29 years, living with a chronic illness for ≥6 months.

Main Results:

• Young age and peer group influenced interactions with healthcare professionals and access to support, leading to isolation.
• Participants struggled to articulate the broader impact of their illness beyond 'expected' symptoms.
• Lack of education on chronic illness impacts exacerbated feelings of guilt, self-blame, and exhaustion.

Conclusions:

• Youth is a critical factor in understanding chronic illness management challenges.
• Young people may internalize blame for structural issues related to their chronic illness.
• Improved healthcare experiences and support programs require an understanding of this unique context.