Difficulty in returning to school among adolescent leukemia survivors: A qualitative descriptive study

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the difficulties experienced by adolescent leukemia survivors upon their return to school using qualitative study methods. Methods: Study participants include 14 adolescents who visited a hospital for follow-up care following treatment for leukemia at a university hospital in Seoul. We investigated difficulties in returning to school using in-depth interviews. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, the researchers investigated “difficulties after termination of leukemia treatment,” “difficulties in school life,” “difficulties in relationships with family,” and “causes of stress.” Results: Through interviews, we identified five categories of difficulties among adolescent leukemia survivors including “feelings of alienation from friends,” “difficulty in studying,” “Stuck being different from others” “apologetic feelings for family,” and “feelings of having an uncertain future.“ Conclusion: Most adolescent leukemia survivors in the study sample complained about difficulties in friendships and academic difficulties. Changes in appearance following treatment and the focus of others on their appearance following treatment hurt their feelings, and they felt apologetic toward members of their families. Worries about incomplete recovery following treatment and the fear of recurrence tended to interfere with the feelings of adolescent leukemia survivors about their future.