Abstract
To inform behavioral intervention development, this study examined experiences and unmet needs related to stress, diet, and physical activity in young adult (YA) cancer survivors. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of YA cancer survivors (n = 12 aged 18-29years; n = 11 aged 30-39years; 57% racial or ethnic minority) between May and July 2022 via Zoom. Data were analyzed using a coding reliability approach to thematic analysis. Stressor-related themes included health and health care, economic stability, social and community context, and balancing responsibilities. Transition to independent adulthood was discussed among younger participants (18-29years). Coping-related themes included letting go, keeping anchored in faith, and distraction. Older participants (30-39years) reported more diverse coping strategies. Routine and consistency and the impact of stress were themes aligning with health behaviors. Control was a cross-cutting theme regarding stressors, coping, and health behaviors. Themes related to intervention preferences included individualized approach, expert-based content, peer support, integrative self-care, and manageability. Younger participants preferred multiple intervention formats (e.g., website, tracking logs). Findings highlighted unmet needs regarding social and environmental stressors in YA cancer survivors and a preference for individualized, expert-based content and peer support in stress management-enhanced behavioral interventions. Such interventions may be tailored for specific age groups to account for differences in stress experiences and intervention preferences.
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