title: Support needs and preferences of young adolescents with asthma and allergies: "just no one really seems to understand".
abstract: The objectives of this study were to identify support needs, support resources, and support barriers for young adolescents with asthma and allergies and to describe preferences for an accessible support intervention. Adolescents (N = 57) completed a survey questionnaire. Eight young adolescents, 10 parents, and 5 older adolescents participated in separate group interviews. Young adolescents' challenges included transition to self-care, balancing restrictions with safety, social isolation, and loneliness. Young teens recommended supportive networks facilitated by older adolescent peers and wanted to meet with other young adolescents living with asthma and allergies online and share information, advice, and encouragement with them.
authors.affiliation: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Letourneau
authors.forename: Jeffrey R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Masuda
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cicutto
authors.forename: Shawna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McGhan
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Watt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D020407:Internet; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010379:Peer Group; D012648:Self Care; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires