Medication self-management behaviors of adolescents and young adults with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2023 Jun 10;31(7):390
Date
06/10/2023Pubmed ID
37300714Pubmed Central ID
PMC10256968DOI
10.1007/s00520-023-07863-8Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85163126078 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)Abstract
PURPOSE: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer are challenged to manage complex medication regimens during treatment. The aims of the study are to (1) describe the medication self-management behaviors of AYAs with cancer and (2) examine the barriers and facilitators to AYAs' optimal use of medications, including their self-efficacy to manage medications.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 30 AYAs (18-29 years) with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy. Participants electronically completed a demographic form, a health literacy screen, and the PROMIS Self-efficacy for Medication Management instrument. They completed a semi-structured interview to answer questions about their medication self-management behaviors.
RESULTS: Participants (53% female, mean age = 21.9 y) had a variety of AYA cancer diagnoses. Over half (63%) had limited health literacy. Most AYAs had accurate knowledge about their medications and average self-efficacy for managing medications. These AYAs were managing an average of 6 scheduled and 3 unscheduled medications. Oral chemotherapy was prescribed for 13 AYAs; other medications were for prevention of complications and symptom management. Many AYAs relied on a parent for obtaining and paying for medications, used multiple reminders to take medications, and used a variety of strategies to store and organize medications.
CONCLUSION: AYAs with cancer were knowledgeable and confident about managing complex medication regimens but needed support and reminders. Providers should review medication-taking strategies with AYAs and ensure a support person is available.
Author List
Erickson JM, Kamke-Jordan A, Lancaster IJ, Palou-Torres A, Esch M, Gonzalez A, Charlson J, Bingen KAuthors
Kristin M. Bingen PhD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinJohn A. Charlson MD Associate Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jeanne M. Erickson PhD, RN Associate Professor in the College of Nursing department at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Administration, OralAdolescent
Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Neoplasms
Parents
Self-Management
Young Adult
