Motyer GS, Kiely PJ, Fitzgerald A. Adolescents' Experiences of Idiopathic Scoliosis in the Presurgical Period: A Qualitative Study.
J Pediatr Psychol 2021;
47:225-235. [PMID:
34524430 PMCID:
PMC8841985 DOI:
10.1093/jpepsy/jsab095]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a sideways curvature of the spine that can progress severely during adolescent development and require surgical intervention. This qualitative study was conducted to explore the psychosocial experiences of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis during the presurgical stage of treatment.
METHODS
Fourteen adolescents with moderate-to-severe AIS aged 12-17 years participated in semistructured interviews and data were analyzed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Four key themes were generated from the analysis. "Proceeding with Caution" described adolescents' adaptation to the physical impact of their AIS, while "Am I Different?" encompassed adolescents' perceptions of their changing appearance and visibility of their condition. "An Emotional Journey" captured the rollercoaster of emotions from shock at diagnosis to the daunting realization of the severity of their condition, while knowing others with AIS could ease the emotional burden. Finally, adolescents' concerns and expectations about their prospective surgery were captured by the theme "No Pain, No Gain", whereby they were often keen to put surgery behind them.
CONCLUSIONS
Understanding and addressing adolescents' psychosocial support needs as they manage the challenges associated with idiopathic scoliosis is a key component of promoting better outcomes among this patient group. Clinical implications and opportunities for support provision are discussed.
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