Determinants of social functioning among adolescents and young adults with cancer: A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives: Survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer report deficits in social functioning relative to healthy peers. Identifying factors related to their social functioning is critical to improve their long-term social outcomes. This review addressed: (1) How is social functioning defined and measured among studies of AYAs who have had cancer? (2) What factors have quantitatively/qualitatively are associated with/predictors of social functioning? and (3) What associated factors/ predictors of social functioning are modifiable and amenable to intervention? Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify publications from 2000 to 2021, meeting these criteria: (1) mean/median age at diagnosis/treatment 13-40, (2) assessed social functioning with a validated measure and included factors associated with/predictive of social functioning and/or qualitatively assessed young people's perceptions of factors related to their social functioning and (3) was peerreviewed/published in English. Results: Thirty-seven publications were included. Definitions and measures of social functioning varied, and factors related to social functioning varied based on definition. Factors most commonly associated with decreased social functioning included treatment status (receiving or completed treatment), poor physical functioning, depression, negative body image, engaging in social comparisons, social/ cultural stigma around cancer, and fatigue. Increased social functioning was most commonly associated with social support and the quality/age-appropriateness of care.Conclusions: Social functioning is multidimensional construct for AYAs diagnosed with cancer and may not be adequately assessed with measures of adjustment or quality of life. Future studies should clarify how to optimally define and measure social functioning in this population, to ensure their functioning can be protected and promoted long-term.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Adolescents and Young Adults with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Population-Based Study

“…Notably, research exclusively focused on the younger patient population remains unexplored. The de nition of adolescents and young adults (AYA) varies, but it typically refers to individuals aged between 13 and 40 years (13,14). Recently, there has been a notable surge in cancer research speci cally targeting the AYA population (15)(16)(17).…”

Exploring Web-Based Information and Resources That Support Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer to Resume Study and Work: Environmental Scan Study

“…A diagnosis of cancer in adolescence and the young adult years can lead to significant and long-lasting disruptions to key developmental milestones [ 1 - 3 ]. Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer are at risk of poor long-term medical and psychosocial outcomes due to delays in diagnosis and lagging improvements in survival rates compared with those diagnosed as children or adults [ 1 ].…”

“…Symptoms and late effects from cancer treatment can negatively impact AYAs’ education and work engagement [ 4 - 7 ]. A weakened immune system, nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, poor cognitive functioning, poor social well-being, and mental health challenges such as depression and social anxiety are just some of the physical symptoms and late effects AYAs must contend with [ 3 - 9 ]. Challenges with education and work engagement may also drive distressing symptoms such as poor social well-being and depression [ 3 , 9 , 10 ].…”

Impaired social functioning in adolescent and young adult sarcoma survivors: Prevalence and risk factors

“…Social functioning in the AYA population can be defined as a domain of HRQOL, focused on limitations and difficulties with participation in social activities and functioning in relationships. Social functioning may be influenced by several factors, including employment status, financial burden, body image, and social support 15 …”

“…Social functioning may be influenced by several factors, including employment status, financial burden, body image, and social support. 15 The rarity of sarcomas and the intensive treatment they require in combination with the social vulnerability of AYAs, gives AYA sarcoma survivors a high risk of impaired social functioning (ISF). Indepth data on social functioning of AYA sarcoma survivors are scarce; little is known about the challenges that AYA survivors experience concerning social functioning, and risk factors for ISF have not been adequately researched.…”