Loneliness among adolescents and young adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer are at an increased risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness secondary to their cancer and its treatment. The physical distancing measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic may have further increased loneliness among this group. This study examined the prevalence of loneliness and factors associated with loneliness among AYAs with cancer during this pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a self-administered, online, cross-sectional survey of Canadian AYAs diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 between January and February 2021. Loneliness was measured using the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. Factors associated with higher levels of loneliness were identified using multiple logistic regression.

SUBMITTER: Howden K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8549808 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature