title: Psychosocial service use and unmet need among recently diagnosed adolescent and young adult cancer patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer demonstrate biomedical risks and psychosocial issues distinct from those of children or older adults. In this study, the authors examined and compared the extent to which AYAs treated in pediatric or adult oncology settings reported use of, and unmet need for, psychosocial support services.
  
  
  METHODS
  Within 4 months of initial cancer diagnosis, 215 AYAs ages 14 to 39 years (99 from pediatric care settings and 116 from adult care settings; 75% response rate) were assessed for reporting use of information resources, emotional support services, and practical support services. Statistical analyses derived odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for service use and unmet needs after controlling for race, employment/school status, sex, relationship status, severity of cancer, treatment, and treatment-related side effects.
  
  
  RESULTS
  AYAs ages 20 to 29 years were significantly less likely than teens and older patients ages 30 to 39 years to report using professional mental health services and were significantly more likely to report an unmet need with regard to cancer information, infertility information, and diet/nutrition information. Compared with teens who were treated in pediatric facilities, AYAs who were treated in adult facilities were more likely to report an unmet need for age-appropriate Internet sites, professional mental health services, camp/retreats programs, transportation assistance, and complementary and alternative health services.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Substantial proportions of AYAs are not getting their psychosocial care needs met. Bolstering psychosocial support staff and patient referral to community-based social service agencies and reputable Internet resources may enhance care and improve quality of life for AYAs.
authors: University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, USA. zebrack@umich.edu
authors: Brad J
authors: BJ
authors: Zebrack
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Block
authors: Brandon
authors: B
authors: Hayes-Lattin
authors: Leanne
authors: L
authors: Embry
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Aguilar
authors: Kathleen A
authors: KA
authors: Meeske
authors: Yun
authors: Y
authors: Li
authors: Melissa
authors: M
authors: Butler
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Cole
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult