Adverse experiences of social adaptation in children with leukaemia: a qualitative study from China

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to build an indepth and comprehensive understanding of the social maladaptation experience of Chinese children with leukaemia of different ages. METHODS: The purposive sampling method was adopted to conduct semistructured interviews with 20 Chinese children with leukaemia or their main caregivers and Colaizzi’s method for qualitative research was used to organise and analyse the data. The study followed the guiding principles of the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research. RESULTS: The existing social adaptation problems of children with leukaemia of different ages were assessed. In terms of psychological maladjustment, children with leukaemia aged 2–7 years showed fear and excessive attachment, while children aged 8–18 years were characterised by impatience, irritability and anxiety. In terms of behavioural maladjustment, children aged 2–7 years presented less independent behaviour and dependence on electronics, while children aged 8–18 years showed learning obstruction and indulgence in mobile games. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted intervention strategies should be developed based on the physical and mental characteristics of children with leukaemia of different ages to improve existing social adaptation problems. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Early intervention for social adaptation of children with leukaemia should be considered. Children’s social adaptation should be improved to prevent more adaptation problems so that they can return to their families and to the society without difficulty and improve their quality of life in the long term.