Abstract
Leukemia is the most common pediatric malignancy. Many children with leukemia display behavioral and emotional problems. Promoting children's psychological development and quality of life during hospitalization is an important activity carried out by health professionals. The objective of this study was to describe the experiences and feelings of Chinese children with leukemia in the hospital. In-depth interviews were conducted with Chinese children with leukemia using a descriptive qualitative research method. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Twenty-nine children with leukemia were interviewed. Almost all children had negative experiences and feelings during the early stage of hospitalization, and there were 3 levels of adaptation that they displayed: inability to adapt to hospitalization, a sense of being compelled to accept hospitalization, and adaptation to hospitalization. Three factors are associated with children's psychological distress, including the duration of treatment, children's personality, and age. Children of a younger age, with more extrovert personalities and who were undergoing longer treatment courses, adapted to hospitalization more easily. The findings provide information for health professionals to understand children's psychological status during hospitalization and help nurses to plan individualized psychological care for children.
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